With the goal of demonstrating an economically and ecologically sustainable agriculture development model based on scientific management of natural resources and biodiversity, Development Alternatives with the support of International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) launched the Model Watershed Programme in three villages of Jhansi district in Uttar Pradesh in 2009.

The programme being a combination of both institutional and technological innovations, aims to mainstream participatory planning for collective management of natural resources. Farmers form the key target group, being the ones making the decisions that define the profile of agriculture and natural resource utilisation in the villages and thereby its level of resilience to climate change.

The key action areas of the model watershed programme are described in the following sections:

Agro-forestry models i.e. the growing of seasonal crops along with perennial trees have been demonstrated on farmers’ fields to promote awareness on the ability of such models to restore soil heath and productivity, improve water recharge and reduce soil erosion losses. Economically important species and varieties adapted to local soil and weather conditions such as Teak, Gulmohar, Shisham, Bamboo etc. and fruit species such as Gooseberry (Amla), Guava, Lemon, Karaunda, Custard Apple, Indian Plum (Ber) and Jackfruit have been planted so that there is wide species diversity on the farms. The practice of agro-forestry has enhanced livelihood security through the creation of multiple revenue streams for the farmers, aided nutrition security of the farmers’ households and also created ecological niches that have allowed the conservation and regeneration of local biodiversity.

Livestock comprises a major component of the agricultural economy of Bundelkhand and also contributes significantly to the livelihoods of farmers. However, acute shortage of fodder is not only threatening livestock based livelihoods but also causing ecological degradation as a result of over-grazing and deforestation. Soil and water conservation measures have led to improved soil moisture levels and top-soil retention that in turn have enabled existing root-stocks of trees and shrubs to regenerate naturally and many local grass and legume species to stage a comeback. Improved varieties of fodder crops such as Napier, Guinea Grass and Barseem have been demonstrated in farmers’ fields with technical support from the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi. Fodder production in the intervention area has increased by nearly 50% and the production of milk has tripled. Cultivation of Barseem, which is a legume, also improves soil health and nitrogen content.

Crop diversification is being promoted as it leads to better productivity and income and improved climate resilience. Both mixed cropping and inter-cropping models have been demonstrated to replace the traditional mono-cropping models. Improved techniques to improve plant and soil health such as seed treatment with Rhizobium and Azotobacter cultures have also been demonstrated.

The Model Watershed Programme has emerged as a site of learning for integrated watershed management and sustainable agri-production systems in Bundelkhand. It presents a strong case for replication across the region through the concerted efforts of stakeholders and actors engaged in processes of local development.  q