Integrated watershed management and people’s participation – A case study of Ichalahalla watershed

Abstract

Integrated watershed management project was carried out in Gadag district of Karnataka State under the guidance of Geological Society of India, Bengaluru. The project was facilitated by KVK, Hulkoti which mobilized the farming community of 6 villages through organization of awareness camps, seminars and water literacy camps in the villages. Series of training programmes on soil and water conservation, rain water harvesting and production technology in major crops were organized. After mobilizing the community, various soil and water conservation treatments were carried out in all the 6 watershed villages covering 5000 ha area. The intervention has made major impact on increased ground water availability resulting in sufficient water for irrigation. The area under commercial crops has been increased with pulses, oilseeds, horticulture and other commercial crops replacing the less productive cereal crops and the cropping intensity has also increased. The productivity of major crops and net returns per unit area in the watershed area has also increased. Thus, improving socio-economic condition of farmers.