Soil Conservation is one of the basic programmes required to be undertaken for sustained agricultural production. It brings about permanent improvement in the land resources and helps in preserving moisture in the soil for a long period. About 80 to 85 Percent of the State's agricultural production comes from rainfed areas. Since the irrigation potential in the State is limited to only 30 Percent of the total cultivated area, the development of scientific rainfed agriculture is of paramount importance. Moreover, of the total irrigation potential, only 40 Percent to 50 Percent is on account of surface irrigation and the remaining is accounted for by exploitation of underground water resources. These, in turn can be enhanced by proper watershed management methods which reduce surface run-off and improves infiltration and recharge capacities. Under the watershed development programme, the following different soil and water conservation works are taken up:
- Contour/graded bundling with vegetative bunds;
- Terracing;
- Contour vegetative key lines;
- Nala bunding (earthen/cement)/Nala training;
- Brushwood dams;
- Earthen structure with vegetative bunds;
- Loose boulder structures;
- Gabion structure;
- Diversion bandharas;
- Underground bandhara;
- Livecheck dams;
- Farm pond;
Since irrigation facilities in the tribal areas are very inadequate, the tribals are mainly dependent on rainfed agriculture. In order to improve the existing farming system, the most crucial programme is of watershed development. Rainfed agriculture will still continue to decide the overall agricultural production in tribal areas, in view of the fact that the scope for bringing land under the irrigation has limitations. It is, therefore, proposed to adopt an integrated approach toward Watershed Development Programmes with proper co-ordination among different activities, as a remedial measure to improve rainfed farming.
2. Thus the total outlay of Rs.6881.30 lakh has been provided for this sector in the year 2014-15.
