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My name is Gautam Kumar and I'm working with the tribal farmers of Niwali in Barwani district of MP with the support of an NGO 'Aga Khan Rural Support Program (India)' as a part of SBI Youth for India fellowship program.
Agriculture which is rain fed is the basic livelihood activity in the region but the loss of forest cover in past decade has affected average rainfall and groundwater table to such an extent that a major chunk of arable land goes fallow after the monsoon harvest forcing farmers to migrate in the neighbouring state of Gujarat and Maharashtra for subsistence.
Niwali which once used to be thick forest cover with rich history of flora and fauna is now mostly composed of bald barren hill in the horizon with occasional dottings of Bamoora indicating transition in the quality of soil.
In our attempt to restore the lost biodiversity and address issues pertaining to deforestation we're taking up a high density plantation project of native jungle species on the principles of Miyawaki technique.
We've planned to work with 15 farmers from three different villages for the initial pilot testing, a right mix of floral, fruiting and medicinal species will also ensure additional income for the farmers.
Agriculture which is rain fed is the basic livelihood activity in the region but the loss of forest cover in past decade has affected average rainfall and groundwater table to such an extent that a major chunk of arable land goes fallow after the monsoon harvest forcing farmers to migrate in the neighbouring state of Gujarat and Maharashtra for subsistence.
Niwali which once used to be thick forest cover with rich history of flora and fauna is now mostly composed of bald barren hill in the horizon with occasional dottings of Bamoora indicating transition in the quality of soil.
In our attempt to restore the lost biodiversity and address issues pertaining to deforestation we're taking up a high density plantation project of native jungle species on the principles of Miyawaki technique.
We've planned to work with 15 farmers from three different villages for the initial pilot testing, a right mix of floral, fruiting and medicinal species will also ensure additional income for the farmers.
(Discussion with farmers on potential natural vegetation of the region)
Apart from plantation funds generated will be used for building rainwater trenches, fencing and maintenance of work site.
