Environmental degradation is a major threat confronting the world, and the rampant use of chemical fertilizers contributes largely to the deterioration of the environment through depletion of fossil fuels, generation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and contamination of water resources. It leads to loss of soil fertility due to imbalanced use of fertilizers that has adversely impacted agricultural productivity and causes soil degradation. Now there is a growing realization that the adoption of ecological and sustainable farming practices can only reverse the declining trend in the global productivity and environment protection. On one hand tropical soils are deficient in all necessary plant nutrients and on the other hand large quantities of such nutrients contained in domestic wastes and agricultural by products are wasted. It is estimated that in cities and rural areas of India nearly 700 million ton organic wastes is generated annually which is either burned or land filled. Such large quantities of organic wastes generate also pose a problem for safe disposal. Most of these organic residues are burned currently or used as land fillings. In nature’s laboratory there are a number of organisms (micro and macro) that have the ability to convert organic waste into valuable resources containing plant nutrients and organic matter, which are critical for maintaining soil productivity. Microorganisms and earthworms are important biological organisms helping nature to maintain nutrient flows from one system to another and also minimize environmental degradation. The earthworm population is about 8–10 times higher in uncultivated area. This clearly indicates that earthworm population decreases with soil degradation and thus can be used as a sensitive indicator of soil degradation. In this report a simple biotechnological process, which could provide a ‘win-win’ solution to tackle the problem of safe disposal of waste as well as the most needed plant nutrients for sustainable productivity is described.

 

Background of Sabarkantha District 

Nearly 80% of the population of Sabarkantha District, Gujarat, resides in rural areas and earns their living through agriculture based activities, animal husbandry and dairying. These livelihood options result in the accumulation of large amount of recyclable organic wastes in the form of cow dung, agricultural crop residues etc. However the lack of waste segregation practices among villagers results in discarding of such organic and recyclable waste along with non-organic toxic waste. As a result, essential raw materials that can be used for preparing nutrient-rich natural manure for farming are lost and farmers are compelled to use chemical fertilizers that result in environmental degradation, are more expensive and increase artificial chemical levels in plants. Furthermore, the absence of a dedicated waste segregation and collection effort also results in the piling up of such waste near rural houses inviting growth of harmful insects and bacteria that affect human health.

Integrated Watershed Management Programme at Sabarkantha District 

Recognizing these opportunity in rural waste management practices of Sabarkantha, the District Watershed Development Unit (DWDU) has taken as a livelihood activity in various project of Batch I,II & III as (Individual or group SHG) for recycling agriculture and animal husbandry waste into nutritional organic manure through the method of vermi-composting.

Fig. 1 : Vermicompost Unit

Fig. 2 : Vermi compost unit with side net

 

Vermi-compost: 

Vermi-composting is a simple biotechnological process of composting, in which certain species of earthworms are used to enhance the process of waste conversion and produce a better end product. Vermi-composting differs from composting in several ways. It is a mesophilic process, utilizing microorganisms and earthworms that are active at 10–32°C (not ambient temperature but temperature within the pile of moist organic material). The process is faster than composting; because the material passes through the earthworm gut, a significant but not yet fully understood transformation takes place, whereby the resulting earthworm castings (worm manure) are rich in microbial activity and plant growth regulators, and fortified with pest repellence attributes as well! In short, earthworms, through a type of biological alchemy, are capable of transforming “animal wastes” into ‘gold’. 

Improved soil physical, chemical and biological properties 

Studies on vermin-compost indicate that it increases macrospore space ranging from 50 to 500µm, resulting in improved air-water relationship in the soil which favourably affect plant growth. The application of organic matter including vermin-compost favourably affects soil pH, microbial population and soil enzyme activities. It also reduces the proportion of water-soluble chemical species, which cause possible environmental contamination.

Process: 

Individuals/SHG beneficiaries has given HDPE bed for vermi-composting, organic waste is collected at a place and treated with adequate moisture. After this treatment, earthworms are mixed with the waste in order to allow them to feed on the matter. Over a short period of time (45 days) the worms break down the organic matter in the vermi-compost unit, and leave behind nutrient rich substance which provides many benefits, for the soil condition of sabarkantha districts which varies from Hilly area hard stony soil to black cotton soil, silty loam to morrhum soil from Khedbrahma to Prantij and Himmatnagar to Bayad.

Fig. 3 : Collection of vermicompost

Fig. 4 : Screening of compost

 

Intervention: 

There are 9 talukas and 23 IWMP projects are being implemented in Sabarkantha district. The vermi-compost units have been taken in all 23 IWMP projects. In Batch I & II projects production of vermicompost has started and utilised by the beneficiaries in their own field. Various trainings were conducted in coordination with KVK Khedbrahma and Maize Research centre Bhiloda to generate awareness among farmers.

 

Table No. 1 Details of Vermi-compost production in all Batches 

Sr.No	Name of Batch	Unit Installed (Individual or SHG groups)	Production of Vermi-Compost Unit from  Installed (Individual or SHG groups)	Total Production of Vermi- Compost (in Kg) for 1 cycles	Selling of Vermi-Compost in local market and village	Remark
1	Batch I	286	209	109934	0	All framers has used in own agricultural land
2	Batch II	180	118	69502	0	All are use the in own field
3	Batch III	57	0	0	0	Production not received
	Total	523	327	179436	0

Total production from vermi-compost bed is 179436 kg from batch I & II batch and from batch III production is not yet received. Considering Rs 2 per kg market price of vermicompost, the total implicit income is Rs 3.5 lakh approximately.

 

Table No. 2 Details Crop Production 

Sr.No	Batch	Name of Crop	Nos. of beneficiaries	Total Area cropping (ha)	Approx. Production  (kg/ha)
1	Batch- I & II	Maize	50	22	1180
2		Vegetables	34	14	845
		Total/average	84	36	1012

The use of vermicompost has increased soil fertility and reduces the cost of cultivation by substituting chemical fertilisers. With this intervention 84 farmers cultivated 36 ha of land using vermicompost.

Challenges: 

• The production cycle increased from estimated 45 days to 60 days and in some cases it increased to 90 days. 
• Less awareness among the community for small activities like sprinkling of water timely, turning of compost upside down to speed up the process of production. 
• The package of practices given to the members required closer monitoring and identification of training needs. 
• Less sensitivity towards practicing the package of practices in production during the first cycle resulting into to breakage of cycle, increased cycle period. 
• Proper use of the vermi-compost and still used the chemical fertilizer along with it. 

 

Conclusion: 

Earthworm serves as “nature’s ploughman” and form nature’s gift to produce good humus, which is the most precious material to fulfil the nutritional needs of crops. The utilization of vermicompost results in several benefits to farmers, industries, environment and overall national economy.

To farmers:

• Less reliance on purchased inputs of nutrients leading to lower cost of production. 
• Increased soil productivity through improved soil quality. 
• Better quantity and quality of crops There is huge scope of promotion of vermicompost in this District. 

DWDU is actively participating for promotion of this green technology and farmers are also gradually interested to convert their farming processes.

Contributors: Sidharth Sing Bisen (Technical Expert); Sunil Patel (MDT Agri)

Agriculture contributes nearly 14.5 % of India’s GDP but more than 60% of workforce is workforce depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Hence agriculture is considered as the backbone of India. Being home to more than 17% of world’s population and due to constant increase in population at an alarming rate the pressure on agricultural land is being increasing constantly. On the contrary agricultural land is reducing due to industrialization and growing number of cities, thus creating job opportunities for skilled and unskilled labors. Due to all these reasons and changing life style migration is a major challenge for the rural economy. Although there are different opinions about positive and negative effect of migration, but in long term migration is not a solution. So there is an urgent need to generate alternative employment within the villages to stop migration.

Jamnagar is known as Halar in Saurashtra region. It is situated at the sea coast of Gujarat. Natural calamities like uneven rainfall, drought, and earth quake affect the farmers. Kharachia village of Jodiya block is situated near the sea coast. Total population of the village is 1860 comprising of major communities like Patel, Rajput, Bharwad, Koli and Harijan. Rainfed agriculture is the major source of livelihood in this village. Fadsar, Kharachia, Utbet sampar and Zinzuda are the 4 villages selected under IWMP-10 (Integrated Watershed Management Programme- Fadsar cluster). According to village survey conducted before preparation of Detailed Project Report, after the monsoon season due to lack of work agriculture and casual labors migrates to nearby cities and women were confined to stay back at home without any work. Women could not go for work as per the socially imposed structure. During survey and focus group discussion with the villagers it was elicited that women want to do home based works without hindering their daily household works.

After providing various concepts building training for SHGs, Shree Khodiyar Bachat Mandal was formed with 10 members in May 2012 with monthly small savings of Rs. 300 (@ Rs. 30 per member at Dena Bank, Aamran branch. Before finalizing livelihood activity under IWMP, various group level and village level meeting were conducted by the watershed development team. As there is a predominant demand of the sewing work for the local market and according to the requirement of the group for home based work, sewing activity was selected for this group.

In November 2013 a memorandum of understanding was signed between VWC and SHG to start the activity. Ten sewing machines were purchased at the cost of Rs 6200/- each and Rs. 30000/- for purchasing procuring raw materials from nearby market at Dhrol, Aamran and Morbi.

One month training and workshop programme on sewing activity was arranged by the Project Implementing Agency (DWDU) for imparting necessary skills to the SHG. Other trainings were also conducted in coordination with Vikas charitable trust as per demand of SHG members with support of VWC and WDT members.

Fig. 1 : Training on sewing of Shri Khodiyar Saving Mandal

After implementing the activity there is remarkable growth of their business. Now after 3 months the group is able to earn Rs3000 (approx) per month. The work orders of items like stitching uniform (150 rs/piece), blouse (120 rs/piece), fall (30 rs/item), dress material (100 rs/piece) from nearby blocks has been increasing constantly. The group has also started to make cushion cover (80 rs/piece) and carry bag (30 rs/piece) to sell in their own village and nearby villages.

Fig. 2 : Sewing activity of Shri Khodiyar Saving Mandal

According to the president Jyotiba Parakramsinh Jadeja of Shree Khodiyar Bachat Mandal : “All of us are women residing in Kharachia village belong to other backward caste (OBC). Our literacy level is very low and our family is totally dependent on our husbands, who were the sole breadwinners of our families. Thus, managing the household expenses was always a major problem and we had to slowly cut down our food expenses in order to meet the children’s education expenditure. Now after starting sewing business our economic status has increased as we have started contributing to our family”

This small initiative has brought a great economical and social change in their lives. With the extra source of income the women are not only contributing to their family income but also started lending to other members. The group members have started to participate in the decision making process inside their houses. Even in social gathering and Gram Sabha’s the group has started their participating actively. Considering the escalating demand of the products the group is now planning to expand their business. This micro entrepreneurship is not only helping this village to reduce migration but also acting as a role model for women empowerment.

Contributors: Smit Hingrajiya (Technical Expert), WDT Team (IWMP-10), DWDU Jamnagar

Area Profile 

Surendranagar is a Saurashtra region district with 10,489 square kilometers of area. Surendranagar is also known as the "Entrance gate of the Saurashtra region”. 8.63% of the total population of the district belongs to the Scheduled Tribes and 12% belongs to the scheduled Castes.

Navapura Village falls under the Dasada Taluka of the district. Navapura is around 71 Km away from the district town. There are total 54 households in the village and are mainly agriculturists and also have animal husbandry as there secondary occupation.

 

Scarcity of the lifeline 

The entire water requirement of the village from irrigation to drinking water for Human and animals is mainly supplied from the village pond. Due to the siltation and depreciation of the pond bund the storage capacity of the pond is reduced resulting into huge scarcity of the water available for the villagers. In arrival of the situation irrigation support from the pond water has been stopped and thus the farmers practices rainfed agriculture mainly. With this less availability of green fodder for the livestock of the village had affected the milk production of the village. Due to this single crop a year and with less milk production the economical situation of the villagers was also striking the bell slowly.

Intervention 

DWDU Surendranagar has been implementing Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in the district and was acting as a district agency for the programme. Sanctioned in the year 2009-10 Navapura village was taken up as project village under IWMP-8 and Wild Ass Sanctuary, Dhrangadhra was appointed as the Project Implementation Agecy (PIA) for the project. IWMP has been working for Soil and Water conservation in a watershed area. As a part of participatory planning De-siltation of the village pond was taken on urgent basis under Entry Point Activity (EPA) head.

 

Outcome 

9193 CM de-siltation was done with in an expenditure of Rs. 3.56 lakhs from IWMP cost and the storage capacity of the village pond was increased to and the bund was strengthened with the excavation. Due to this the availability of water has irrigated near about 80 ha has increased and the total production of cumin were sought highest as near about 600 Qt. from the area the average productivity of the cumin is about 750 Kg/ha which is four times higher than average productivity of the village before the intervention. Out of total household 54 households practicing agriculture in the village and among them 26 farmer are getting irrigation water from the village pond. Before completion of the intervention the average income was near about Rs. 34,000/ ha. from cotton crop and after the availability of irrigation it went up to Rs. 43,500 and cropping pattern of the area has been changed due to availability of irrigation water. It also increased the milk production. Now the availability of fodder for the animal has gone up and it has been observed in increasing of milk production of the village. As per the villages survey, over three – forth of the farmers are found to be benefiting from this De-siltation of the village pond.

Conclusion 

In these two years the project has changed the whole of Navapura from one of abject poverty and underdevelopment to prosperity and on the development path. Today, Navapura is a success story and inspirational model for water conservation measures. These activities have had a major impact on the area; and have changed the face Navapura village. The lost flora and fauna are returning and even the villagers are reaping its benefit. The impact of this project has been manifolds. It has checked soil erosion and has helped the soil to retain its moisture. Also, Fodder and Fuel wood is available a plenty. In fact with each year the prodution has grown and so has the distribution.


“Assessment: The community participation has been the key to the success of Watershed Development Project in the Area. It was ensured all through the implementation of the project that the people’s enthusiasm and interest does not wane away after the initial euphoria. Most importantly, the project functionaries’ from the beginning was a distant spectator, only providing the technical inputs while actual nuisances of design, execution and management was left to the users committee. This micro-level planning has provided people with an opportunity of earning of managing the scheme and also given them the confidence that they can now do the government support. This project has truly been the project of the people, for the people and managed by the people. The project wasteland development project has raised hopes that wasteland can be made fertile and bring about prosperity to the area.”


Contributor: DWDU Surendranagar, Hariom Nirala (Technical Expert)

Introduction 

Watershed management has emerged as an important intervention for supporting natural resource based livelihood mean in different agro-climatic regions in India and Gujarat. This case study is discussing the high level of community participation in watershed management. This programme is being implemented by the District Watershed development Unit, Amreli under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP). This intervention created an awareness and participation among women residing in the rural pockets of Amreli, which had empowered them to play a positive role in holistic development of themselves and the society. The user groups and self-help groups were also closely associated with economical issues, thus directly contributing to the economic and social development of Sanaliya village under Liliya Taluka, Dist. Amreli.

 

Role of Women 

Women have played an ‘invisible’ role for a long period of time in the economic development of rural areas, as they have been perceived as helpmates, wives and mothers, and as generally subservient to the dominant economic work of men, both in farming and outside it. The Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in micro watersheds have received much attention from the policy makers and others for their perceived ability to contribute significantly to the economic growth and poverty alleviation. These groups are homogenous groups having common interest who are dependent on the watershed area such as: landless laborers, agricultural laborers, rural women, shepherds, scheduled castes/tribes etc. Around 50 per cent of villagers who are directly or indirectly dependent on watersheds should generally be enrolled as members in the SHGs. Evidences show that the SHGs are formed mostly for Women-oriented activities.

Fig.2 : STUDY AREA: IWMP 7 (Batch II) Sanaliya Village, Liliya Taluka, District Amreli

District Watershed Development Unit,(DWDU),Amreli in its endeavor had facilitated the SHG “Shree Jee Self Help Group” in Sanaliya village lies under Kutana Cluster in IWMP-8 (Batch 2) in Liliya Taluka.

• Name of SHG: Shree Jee Self Help Group 
• Number of Members: 14 (ALL WOMEN) 
• Date of Formation: 26/07/2011 
• Status of Participants: APL Mission: To enhance and strengthen economical status of members. 

 

Introductory Level

At the very first stage of planning process of the cluster, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), was done with the help of the villagers and the Watershed Committee, in which a special meeting was held only Women in which information regarding SHG was put forward, and its members were decided duly on democratic pattern, after that SHG nomenclature was done, and the name of SHG "Shree Jee Self Help Group" was coined.

 

Activities Chosen

After the formation of the SHG a meeting was carried out to choose the activity(s) under the supervision of WDT-CME and Nodal of PIA and in this meeting the members were asked to interact with each other and to discuss what activity(s) to be carried out in the SHG. The thing which came out of the discussion was that to make different kinds of Home decoration handicraft as it was a tradition over here to gift it in marriages and other auspicious events. The members also said that there is a vast opportunity of selling these items as there is an availability of local market demand for these items.

 

Pre Activity Work

Before starting the Handicraft Activities a proper well structured training session was needed. The SHG members of Shree Jee SHG decided had undergone a comprehensive training in the nearby village of Godavadar. A local trainer is employed for the purpose. The SHG members went on to training in the day time and practiced the same at night. The training was organized for a month to enable them to gain expertise. The trainees of the SHG were certified by DWDU Amreli.

Fig.3 : Training to SHG	Fig.4 : SHG Members Practicing at Common Place
Fig.5 : Training and Practicing session of Handicraft Making by SHG Members

Fig.6 : Training Certificate Distribution

Fig.7 : Training Certificate Distribution

 

Post Activity

After the training and practicing session for one month the SHG members were now quiet familiar as well as well expertise with SHG activities as well as Handicraft making. Later on they started selling the handicraft items on small scale. Later with the increased familiarity and demand they went on to join hands with the "Ramapir SHG Group" functioning in "Bhurakhiya Village" under IWMP-10,Chhabhadiya Cluster to open a Handicraft selling shop near the famous "Bhurakhiya Hanuman Temple" which use to sell the handicraft items from different villages. It sells the products on Commission basis. The shop was opened on 11/02/2013.

Fig.8 : Handicraft Selling Shop at Bhurakhiya Hanuman Temple, Bhurakhiya Village, Lathi Taluka

 

Handicraft Store 

“The SHG’s participated in Gram Haat organized at Ahmedabad on 28/02/13 to 02/03/2013 and they sold items worth Rs.6000.Taking together of items sold at Amreli and Ahmedabad it constitutes of Rs.17000.”

 

Conclusion

The whole program not only made the women of Sanaliya village economically established but also boosts up Self Confidence and now they can achieve a greater responsibility in Society. The most pivotal thing to be marked here is the Decision Making role of them, in their socio-economic life. Indeed their success can be summarized as a role model for other Watershed intervene Livelihood activities.


Contributors: DWDU Amreli, Nischal Chudasama (Technical Expert)

Preface:- 

The agriculture in India was, so far, largely dependent on farmers who were using the conventional methods of agriculture. But nowadays, modern agriculture in India has shown significant progress in terms of infusion of technology and improved agricultural practices. Farmers have adapted to rapid diversification, mechanization and value addition practices, leading to better returns, more value added products and growing opportunities for various agri-input suppliers. However, at the same time, farmers are facing severe constraints in terms of receiving quality extension services, proving to be a major bottleneck for future growth. At the same time, increasing modernization of agriculture is also opening up better business opportunities for specialized agriculture extension services and enterprise development.

Background of study:- 

The Dangs is the tribal district of South Zone in Gujarat District. Agriculture is one of the main livelihood occupations in this region while various constrains like rainfall dependence, lack of extension services and quality inputs making this profession insecure to support the growing population. Alternatives livelihood options are limited due to natural constraints like lack of water and the quality of land. The main limitations for increasing productivity of agriculture are the quality and quantity of land and water. The cropping pattern is adjusted as per this topographical condition. Farming in Dangs can be considered as the most challenging tank due high slope of land (more than 60%), extreme rainfall during rainy season, lack of irrigation facility, lack of transport facilities etc. Paddy is the main crop in this region and farmers practise traditional methods for dehusking and winnowing of the grains. Dehusking is done by beating the grains on wooden pallet placed on open ground. After dehusking, winnowing is done by dropping the grains in wind direction. Then the rice is kept in ground without any cover. As dehusking is done in ground the entire grain is not collected for further processes and there is a loss of nearly 8-10% of grains. After dehusking, the winnowing process is entirely dependent on nature. Even during storage the open storage of grains are also exposed to adverse climatic risks. Hence there is a considerable amount of loss of produces in the entire post harvesting process. Although desirable, but in tribal zone the per capita income of the farmers is very low and it is difficult to purchase an electric fan for winnowing or a polythene sheet (Tadpatri) for covering the harvested grain. All these factors are resisting the farmer to come out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

Intervention under IWMP:- 

Keshbandh village from IWMP-1 Kakshala with a total population of about 1200 has been selected for this intervention. Farming community comprises around 62%. The total agriculture land is around 42ha land out of which paddy is grown in 32ha land approximately. Yearly production of paddy is around 9600kg which generates income of Rs. 11,5200 considering Rs. 13-15 price per kg.

Under the head of livelihood & micro-enterprise polythene sheets (tadpatri) were provided to 42 farmers & 4 electric fans and 5 hand fans were provided to a user group (UG). The cost of tadpatri is Rs 2395 and cost of electric fan is Rs 7300. The electric fans are being used on a sharing basis of the community. Because of tadpatri the loss of grain has reduce to nearly 10 % due to ease of collecting the grains. Due to electric fan farmers are no longer depending on wind. It is also observed that the percentage of husk in final marketable grains is lesser than earlier process. Vasubhai Manashyabhai Gavit is a member of the UG and according to him under ideal condition the net profit per ha ranges between Rs 2300-3900. Apart from direct benefits, now post harvesting operation takes lesser time and hence farmers get involved in separate activities to earn additional income.

Estimated income is mentioned below

	Before condition:	After condition:-
Final yield per ha:	900-1200 kg	1000-1300 kg
Price Per kg :	Rs. 14-15	Rs. 14-15
Income:	Rs. 12600 -18000	Rs. 14000-18200 to 15000-19500

Fig. 1: Before Condition:- Dehusking & winnowing operation are being done on open ground which causes post harvesting losses

Fig. 2: After Condition:- Dehusking & winnowing operation are being done on tadpatri which has helped in reducing post harvesting losses

Observing the profit figure the UG is now saving for any future maintenance of the assets. Although this intervention is very small comparing to the project cost and other soil and water conservation interventions, but the impact of this intervention is clearly visible with in a very small time period. In other way it shows that the selection of the activities is done after proper analysis of the ground situation and need of the community. There is also a huge scope to replicate the activity in rice producing areas in Gujarat and other places. As it is found very helpful for the farmers of Dangs, a positive outcome is expected from other places under IWMP.

 

User Group (UD) Detail:- 

Sr. No.	Name of Project	Name of beneficiary
1	IWMP-1 Kakshala	Urmyabhai Tanayabhai
2		Lagnyabhai Manasyabhai
3		Vasubhai Manasyabhai
4		Babjibhai Mohlyabhai
5		Bhukyabhai Sukriyabhai

Contributors: - Miss Priya A. Kadam (Technical Expert, Dang), Mr. Vipul Pardesi ( WDT-Agri, IWMP-1 Kakshala Project)

 

The main benefits of this initiative as per the beneficiaries: 

 

Initiatives: 

Fig. 1: Plough of Anvarpura village	Fig. 2: Godhana SHG group
Fig. 3: SHG group of Bhilot	Fig. 4: Kirana shop of motipimpli

Preface:- 

Green Revolution started in late 1960s refers to a series of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that increased agriculture production worldwide, particularly in the developing world. Agriculture in India has a significant history. Today, India ranks second worldwide in farm output. Agriculture with its allied sectors like fishery and animal husbandry, is the largest livelihood provider in India. It also contributes a significant figure (nearly 17%) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Sustainable agriculture and environmentally sustainable technologies such as soil conservation, sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity protection, are essential for holistic rural development. It is after the green revolution and white revolution that India has turned into a self sustainable nation from an import dependent country.

 

Background of study:- 

In the Dangs there is high pressure on the agriculture lands, since majority of the land is forestland (59%) and only a limited amount of land is available for agriculture to support a growing population. Another limiting factor is the fact that 68% of the agriculture land is situated on a slope. There is very little space for infrastructural development or expansion of agricultural lands. Sole dependency on rain fed agriculture, insufficient agricultural land, low agricultural productivity and a lack of alternative employment sources are the main problems in this region. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood; 85% of the population is either a cultivator or employed as an agricultural labourer. The whole Dang district has very limited opportunities for irrigation, since there is a scarcity of flat land. The cropping pattern of the Dangs is conditioned to rainfed nature of agriculture and lack of irrigation. Most of the cultivation is being done during monsoon and Paddy is the main crop. Pesticides and chemical fertilizer are not commonly used; even farmers with bigger land holdings do not use fertilizers in the production of rice. In this context it is interesting to note that the Dangs has the lowest ranking amongst all districts in Gujarat on the percentage of gross irrigated area and fertilizer consumption, only 0.53% is irrigated and only 1.20 kg fertilizer is being used per ha. Even though in agriculture productivity and agricultural production per household, Dangs ranking is 8th and 12th (7247 Rs/ha. and 1301 Rs/capita). This provides lots of opportunity for taking up organic farming in the district.

Main reason for the deteriorating quality of land is erosion of the top soil layer due to heavy rainfall. The practice of burning timber for improving soil condition, locally name as “adar”, further enforces deforestation. Hence land is prone to erosion and it also reduces soil fertility due to loosening the top fertile layer of soil.

 

Traditional method of paddy farming:- 

 Here paddy farming is done by adar method. In this method timber is allow to burn on soil in order to kill the bacteria. Also seedlings are not prepare properly and transplanting is not done properly, Use of seed per ha is also high.

 

Disadvantage of adar:- 

1. Less productivity
2. Pressure on forest
3. Increase in soil erosion
4. High cost of production
5. More requirement of water.

Intervention through IWMP- 

After analysing the situation and coordinating with Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) it was decided to implement System of Rice Intensification (SRI) tech. for paddy farming. AKRSP is already working in this region to promote SRI technology for augmenting agriculture production.

Method of SRI:- 

1. Seed treatment:- 

SRI technique was developed in 1983 by the French Jesuit Father Henri de Laulanié in Madagascar. However the reach of this technology was very limited until last decade. The main principles of this technology are application of minimum quantity of water and individual transplantation of very young seedlings in a square pattern. Here, seed is treated in brine solution before using for seedling preparation. The brine solution is concentrated to such extend that a potato or egg can float in the solution. Once the solution is prepared seed is poured in it. The seeds which float on water are not used for seedling preparation and thus rejected. The good quality seed is taken out from water & then washed with clean water. Then this seed is tightly packed in cloth bag & put it for 1 day until sprouts come out from the bag.

2. Seedling Preparation:- 

For seedling preparation the above sprouted seeds are used. Raised bed which is being treated with vermi-compost is prepared. These seed are spread on this bed.

 

3. Land Preparation:- 

Land preparation is done by normal method. The only difference in this method is that depth of water impounding is less as compared to traditional method.

 

4. Transplanting:- 

Seedlings of 12-15 days are transplanted as root growth is fast & more pillars are developed. During transplanting row to row & plant to plant distance is maintained as 25 × 25 cm.

 

5. Weeding:- 

As proper spacing is being maintained, weeding operation is done very easily. Here, Cono-weeder is used for weeding operation. It helps in easy weeding operation & land in being pulverised during operation so aeration is done. It also helps in proper growth of paddy.

 

Advantages of SRI:- 

1. Less cost of production
2. Less use of water i.e. water conservation
3. High productivity -around 2-3 times increase in production

Detail of Work:- 

In District Dang there are total 109 beneficiaries of SRI intervention. The expenditure for this activity was Rs. 1496 per beneficiary per acre. Somabhai Pandubhai Pawar of Nirgundmal village in IWMP- 6 (Shamgahan Project) is among one of the farmers selected for SRI demonstration in the village. According to him the production of paddy has increased by 2-3 times. Earlier the production was 300 kg and now after practising SRI techniques the total production is nearly 750 kg. Considering the market price of paddy as Rs. 18 per kg, the increase in gross revenue is nearly Rs 8100 per acre.

Fig. 1: Seed treatment with salt solution	Fig. 2: Uprooting of 12-14 days seedlings
Fig. 3: Transplanting seedlings by maintaining 25 * 25 cm spacing	Fig. 4: Land after final transplantation

 

Effect of study:- 

Likewise Green Revolution, this tech has found to be very useful in increasing livelihood of farmers. This technology has proved to be a boon for major rice producing places in India. Not only in Dangs but also in various other eastern parts of India, this SRI technology is being practices for last few years and expanding its reach considerably. With this remarkable achievement in rice cultivation other farmers are also accepting this technology. For promotion and as a part of extension service various training are also being organised by DWDU in coordination with KVKs and NGOs. For better result seed treatment and seed spacing should be maintained properly. To monitor the practices all extension departments along with DWDU is constantly engaged in training and capacity building activities of the farmers.

Contributor:- Miss. Priya A. Kadam (Technical Expert, Dangs), Mr. Salieshkumar M. Patel (WDT-Agri, IWMP-6 Shamgahan Project, Dangs), Mr. Jayesh Ikubhi Chaudhari (WDT-Surveyor, IWMP-6 Shamgahan Project, Dangs)