Impact of Sujala Iii Watershed Development Interventions in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Abstract

The study was conducted in Dindur sub watershed of Gadag and Bedwatti sub newlinewatershed of Koppal district during the year 2020-21. Three micro watersheds from each sub newlinewatershed were selected. From each micro watershed, thirty farmers were selected making the newlinetotal sample of 180 farmers. The primary data was collected through personal interview newlinemethod using pre tested interview schedule. newlineThe study observed that, on an average 389.36 Rmt of trench cum bund was newlineestablished in each farmer s field. Similarly, 0.57, 1.34 and 0.19 number of farm ponds, waste newlineweirs and bore well recharge were adopted by each farmer, respectively. Approximately 13.92 newlinenumbers of cashew plants and 9.79 teak were planted by each farmer. The project had resulted newlinein an increased productivity of major crops like maize (38.08 %) followed by greengram newline(28.51 %) and groundnut (25.39 %). The productivity of rabi sorghum was increased by 40.34 newlineper cent. The project had significant impact on socio-economic status especially on the newlinedimensions like education status, social participation, type of house, asset possession, farm newlinepower possession, daily wage employment, employment generation, source of irrigation, newlineborrowing status, access to basic needs and consumption pattern. newlineThe study also revealed that, there was a positive and significant relationship of newlineindependent variables like land holding, resource base, cropping intensity, scientific newlineorientation, risk orientation with the adoption of Sujala III watershed interventions at one per newlinecent level of significance. While, education, annual income and extension participation were newlinesignificantly correlated with adoption at five per cent. Further, low maintenance by committee newline(317), lack of guidance during post project period (293), lack of transparency (288) and newlinefarmers consent was not taken (254) were the major problems expressed by farmers in newlineadoption of watershed interventions. The study recommends social engineering before newlineimplementation of the project.