Participatory development of alternate land use systems in Himalaya under rainfed condition.
Mishra A. S., Mohan S. C., Tomar D. S.
Author Affiliation: Central Soil and Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Dehradun - 248 195 (Uttaranchal), India.
Indian Journal of Dryland Agricultural Research and Development 17 : 124-133
Abstract : Three microwatersheds, viz., Sakarao, Sirwalgarh and Chittarrao, and the microsituations existing within the Song watershed and forming part of the Ganges catchment lying in Black Raipur, Dehradun (Uttaranchal, India) were investigated for alternate land use systems in participatory mode to develop horticulture with sustainability in production. Agri-horti systems comprising of mango/peaches with improved varieties of agriculture crops have been found to be the most economic and sustainable for the lands owned by the farming community. Based on agro-ecosystem analysis three major problems were identified in the area, these are, lack of awareness about innovations, non-availability of true-to-type plant materials, and poor plant establishment. Horticulture in marginal and degraded lands including the survival and growth of mango and peach plants are discussed. A table is presented showing an agri-horti system (intercropping with peach plants) conducted during 1999-2001. In addition, a traditional systems of agroforestry in the IVLP villages, as well as the diversification in land uses, and the limitations in choosing the appropriate land use are briefly discussed. Finally, the social aspects of alternate land uses are described.