Development of Watersheds for Climate Resilience Management
Since
2020
, COODU has been partnering with
HDB Financial Services
to implement the Development of Watersheds for Climate Resilience Management programme in Coimbatore District.
The initiative began in
Annur Block (2020–2023)
, covering four micro-watersheds in Vadavalli, Karegoundampalayam, Pogalur, and Kuppanur villages. Building on its success, the
second phase was launched in 2023–24
in
Kinathukadavu Block
, covering Vadasithur, Arasampalayam, Mettubavi, and Panapatti villages.
The project focuses on
soil and moisture conservation, water resource development, afforestation, and community capacity building
—strengthening resilience to climate change while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
• Construction and renovation of
farm ponds, percolation tanks, check dams, recharge wells, loose boulder check dams, and trench-cum-bunds.
• Promotion of
agroforestry, agro-horticulture, vegetative barriers, and mulching
to improve soil fertility and crop diversity.
•
Afforestation drives
with thousands of saplings to enhance biodiversity.
• Establishment of
Farmer Field Schools, demo plots, and exposure visits
to promote climate-smart agriculture.
• Formation of
Water User Groups
and farmer collectives to ensure community-led watershed management.
•
Enhanced Water Security:
651 watershed structures created in Kinathukadavu alone, adding over
144,600 cubic meters
of water storage capacity.
•
Year-Round Cultivation:
Farmers shifted from seasonal cropping to
continuous year-round agriculture
, including crops like banana,
sugarcane, cauliflower, and paddy.
•
Expanded Cultivable Land:
Farmers increased cropping areas by
0.25–0.50 acres per household
due to reliable irrigation. •
Increased Crop Yields & Income:
Better
soil moisture, water availability, and training led to
higher productivity and profitability.
•
Livelihood Diversification:
Green fodder cultivation improved cattle rearing and dairy income.
•
Climate Resilience:
Reduced vulnerability to droughts and erratic rainfall through integrated watershed practices.
•
Community Empowerment:
Farmers contributed to costs, ensuring ownership; women and tribal groups actively engaged in water-saving and conservation activities.
•
Migration Reduction:
Revitalized agriculture restored confidence in farming,
reducing rural-to-urban migration
among youth.
• Participatory Planning:
Communities involved through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Gram Sabha approvals.
• Cost Sharing :
Farmers contributed financially (20% for individual assets, 5% for community assets).
• Ownership & Handover:
Watershed structures were formally handed over to farmer groups for long-term maintenance.
• Skill Development:
Continuous training, exposure visits, and farmer-to-farmer learning ensured knowledge transfer.
• “Because of the percolation ponds, check dams, and recharge wells, rainwater now lasts for 4–5 months after the rains. Farmers who left agriculture are returning.”–
Natarajan, President, Pogalur Panchayat
• “With improved water availability, I expanded my banana cultivation from 200 to 2000 trees. Agroforestry saplings provided will secure future income.”–
V. Ravi, C.G. Pudur Village
• “The recharge wells filled my 80-foot open well four times last season. I am now confidently planting sugarcane after 20 years.” –
Sarojini, Rangappa Goundam Pudur
The HDB–COODU partnership has successfully: