Sustainable Livelihood through Water Conservation and Crop Diversification, Chhindwara

Chhindwara district is located in the South-West region of Satpuda hills . F ive major rivers, namely Kanhan, Pench, Jam, Kulbehra, Shakkar and Doodh flow through the district. Due to undulating topography and heavy rainfall every year large amount of fertile soil drains in to rivers. Absence of sufficient water harvesting structures result in water shortage during Rabi and summer season. The productivity of major crops of soybean and wheat are 12 qtl/ha and 25 qtl/ha respectively, well below the projected productivity of 25 qtl/ha and 50 qtl/ha.

We began working in Chhindwara in July 2005 with support from ITC Limited. The project aims to develop self-reliant model of watershed development and water management with peoples' participation. The project also seeks to generate regular income for small and marginal farmers through drip-based horticulture.

In this project we will initially work in 20 villages covered by 7 ITC Soya Choupal.