Farm-Pond Based Watershed Development: A Mechanism for Ecosystem and Socioeconomic Rejuvenation

Abstract

A watershed-based development approach can solve the problems of rural economy in India. Large-scale watershed development projects are being implemented in India; however, in most areas, conventional practices of soil and water conservation are followed. Certain innovative approaches are being evolved, which have a very high potential to be replicated in arid and semi-arid regions of the country. This paper presents an innovative approach of watershed development using a farm-pond network. This paper is based on a successful project in a watershed of 1,004 ha in the Adihalli-Myllanhalli village area of Hassan district in Karnataka, India. After the implementation of farm-pond based watershed development project between 1996 and 2000, the whole ecosystem and socio-economic scenario has undergone a major change in the area. The availability of water for drinking and agriculture, the establishment of orchards and agro forestry in farmlands, the increase in overall agricultural production, and the creation of local self-employment are some visible impacts. This watershed approach has already been adopted by several organizations in Karnataka and is being replicated in their respective program areas.