Science-led interventions in integrated watersheds to improve smallholders’ livelihoods

    Wani, S P and Chander, G and Sahrawat, K L (2014) Science-led interventions in integrated watersheds to improve smallholders’ livelihoods. NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 70. pp. 71-77. ISSN 1573-5214

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    Abstract

    Existing large crop yield gaps between farmers’ fields in rainfed areas and the achievable yields are abridged through integrated watershed management during 2002-2007, while improving farmers’ livelihoods also. In addition to water shortages, emerging widespread deficiencies of multiple micro- and secondary nutrients such as sulphur (S), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) along with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are holding back the productivity potential through inefficient utilization of limited available water. Soil test-based balanced nutrient application of deficient SBZn plus NP in fields in watersheds recorded 70 to 119% (2100 kg ha−1 in maize, 660 kg ha−1 in groundnut, 640 kg ha−1 in mungbean and 1070 kg ha−1 in sorghum) improvement in crop productivity along with additional returns varying from Rs 16,050/- to Rs 28,160/- ha−1 over the farmers’ practice (only NP). Landform management to alleviate waterlogging proved effective intervention to manage high clay Vertisols for higher soybean and groundnut productivity by 13 to 27% (340 to 350 kg ha−1 in soybean and 160 to 250 kg ha−1 in groundnut) over the farmers’ practice. However, the integrated approach of balanced nutrition and landform management plus improved cultivar was the best option in increasing sunflower productivity by 182% (1600 kg ha−1 in sunflower) over farmers’ management (control). Adoption of these soil-water-crop interventions in target watersheds abridged yield gaps by 12 to 96% in groundnut (160 to 1280 kg ha−1), 29 to 100% (240 to 1130 kg ha−1) in pigeonpea and 0 to 100% (0 to 1175 kg ha−1) in chickpea. The impact of watershed interventions was seen in farm-based activities like improved milk production and incomes. The watershed programs alleviated migration in the catchments by improving the five capitals viz. human, financial, social, physical and natural

    Item Type: Article
    Divisions: RP-Dryland Cereals
    CRP: CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Cereals
    Uncontrolled Keywords: Bridging yield gaps; Community watershed; Dryland agriculture; Integrated resource management; Participatory action
    Subjects: Others > Watershed Management
    Depositing User: Ms K Syamalamba
    Date Deposited: 20 Aug 2014 07:47
    Last Modified: 29 Dec 2016 10:37
    URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/8281
    Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2014.07.001
    Projects: UNSPECIFIED
    Funders: UNSPECIFIED
    Acknowledgement: We greatly acknowledge the support from Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Program (APRLP) Hyderabad, India; Department for International Development (DFID), New Delhi, India; Commissioner, Watershed Development Department, Sujala Watershed Project, Government of Karnataka; Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai; Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi; Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India; Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR), Ahmednagar, Maharashtra; Asian Development Bank for undertaking the watershed interventions in target regions. Efforts of watershed team(s) are duly acknowledged.
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