Kerala receives an average rainfall of 3125 mm in a year. Of this, more than 70% is received in a short span of 3-4 months during the southwest monsoon season. The rainfall intensity is as high as 20 mm per hour and the surface run off is of the order of 70-85% during June-September. Due to the peculiar nature of topography with undulating terrain, coupled with high intensity rainfall, the runoff water removes the soil, resulting in severe soil erosion and inundation of low lying lands. Alongwith the soil, precious applied plant nutrients are also lost due to erosion. Since the rainfall is not well distributed, in addition to causing erosion, moisture stress to many of the existing plantation during the non-rainy months (6-7 months) and resultant reduction in yield is a matter of great concern.

The issue of land degradation due to soil erosion and its effects in the productivity of crops had already been noticed by the State Government as early as 1955. Accordingly, soil and water conservation activities were commenced in the State right from the first five-year plan period. During 1964, Kerala Land Development Act, 1964 was promulgated and the Soil Conservation Department was assigned with the responsibility of enforcing the act. It has been estimated that about 9.52 lakh ha of land is critically affected with soil erosion. The State Government has sought RIDF assistance to supplement their efforts in Watershed Development. The critical area requiring immediate soil and water conservation treatment in the state have been identified and delineated into 62 watersheds. Of this, 11 watershed spread over in four districts were considered for funding under RIDF – IV.

Concept

To protect the biophysical resources of land and water in the state from further degradation.

Objectives

To conserve land and water resources in denuded watersheds by treating vulnerable zones so as to arrest runoff loss and thereby increasing / stabilizing productivity of high value plantation crops in higher elevations by soil and water conservation and reducing soil moisture stress and period of stress.

Project Components

Durable assets of soil and moisture conservation structures besides agronomical, agrostological and agro-forestry measures.

Major Features

Tremendous increase in productivity of upland plantation crops (33%-121% of different crops). Good quality of engineering structures. Good backward linkage (fodder seed). Increase in cropping intensity 38%-105% Reduced soil erosion, run-off, increase in water availability in wells and increase soil fertility Extension of soil water availability in treated areas ranged from 41 to 72 days Net incremental income per hectare from treated areas ranged between Rs. 12100 and Rs. 26955 per year. Economic Rate of ret    urn : 25% - 105%

Uniqueness

Project implemented solely with people's participation i.e. by beneficiary committees without involvement of contractors.