Environmental conservation builds families, India

Natural Resource Management Sahyog Sansthan worked with 157 families to support their implementation of a variety of sustainable agriculture, soil improvement, water conservation and livestock management techniques in order to improve crop yields, increase income and protect local ecosystems.

The following results were achieved:

• 66 women were trained in organic agriculture-related subjects such as crop management, horticulture plantation, livestock development and dairy management. • Sahyog worked with local families to construct 3 water harvesting structures serving 28 families and 16 hectares of land where potable water accessibility was not available. Now with the access to year-round potable water, the 28 families can harvest good crops every Spring (Rabi) and lessen the food insecurity in these villages. • Sahyog assisted 16 families to construct stone checkdams and fencing for soil and water conservation to regenerate 8 hectares of pastureland for animal fodder. Checkdams are successful in retaining the monsoon rains and replenishing the groundwater table. More water available ensures better crops and more time for other activities, which then translates to greater revenues for farmers and improved livelihoods for all. • 63 members of 7 SHGs were supported by Sahyog for dairy activities. Sahyog facilitated the purchase of 63 cows of good breed for each SHG member. Currently, the milk being produced by these cows are being sold to milk collection centers. • 42 farmers planted 1,050 saplings of desert-appropriate fruit trees, including lemon, mangoes and coconut seeds. • This year, Sahyog trained 5 communities on vermiculture (worm composting). In addition to 3 vermiculture units established in 2005, 8 new vermiculture units are currently being used for improving crop yields. In one particularly successful example, farmers from the villages of Ghodahti and Bharave have not only used the compost in their agriculture but have also sold 350 kg. of compost and worms to fellow farmers in nearby villages.