IMPACT OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION THROUGH INTEGRATED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Rebari watershed having an area of 570 ha is situated in Panchmahal, one of the most backward districts of Gujarat State. Under the integrated watershed management programme the area was treated with different soil and water conservation measures like land levelling, contour bunds, gully plugs, checkdams and vegetative measures. This has enhanced availability of water in the watershed and also increased the ground water recharge. As a result, the irrigated area has increased from 38.89 ha during 1987-88 to 83 ha during 1993-94. The number of openwells has increased from 94 in 1987-88 to 142 in 1993-94. There were 21 diesel and 6 electric pump sets at present as compared to only one diesel pump set prior to the project implementation. The cropping intensity has also increased from 101 per cent to 123 per cent due to increased availability of water. The results show that there was increase in foodgrains productivity and coverage by new improved varieties in the watershed. The livestock population of the watershed, before implementation of the project was 1238 and after the project was 1428 in 1993-94.