ITC / CSR - Water Stewardship Program

The Water Stewardship Programme (WSP), with the support of ITC Ltd., is designed with an aim of integrated development of villages in Karamadai block of Coimbatore District. The objective of the Water Stewardship Programme is to harness locally available natural resources in an optimum manner to achieve the overall goal of sustainable development. The objective can be realized by conserving, protecting and restoring the ecological balance by developing natural resources and by preventing soil erosion, degradation of top soil cover, regeneration of natural vegetation, rain water harvesting and recharging of ground water. The programme also gives specific importance to the productivity enhancement of agriculture/horticulture/animal husbandry activities and livelihood development. Activities for resource development and usage have been planned to promote farming and allied activities and to promote local livelihoods while ensuring resource conservation and regeneration.

CSR Initiative Is Committed To:

• Deepen engagement in identified core operational geographies to promote holistic development, designed to respond to the most prominent development challenges of the Company's stakeholder groups.
• Strengthen capabilities of Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)/Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in all the project catchments for participatory planning, ownership and sustainability of interventions.
• Drive the development agenda in a manner that benefits the poor and marginalised communities in the catchments thereby significantly improving Human Development Indices (HDI).
• Move beyond mere asset creation to behaviour change through focus on demand generation for all interventions, thereby enabling participation, contribution and asset creation for the community.
• Continue to strive for scaling up progress by leveraging government partnerships and accessing the most contemporary knowledge/ technical know-how.
With this in focus, COODU initiated Water Stewardship Programme, which was launched in the month of November 2015 in Kalampalayam and subsequently implemented in Kemmarampalam, Thekkampatti, Maruthur, Velliyangadu, Nellithurai and Tholampalayam Gram Panchayats in Karamadai block of Coimbatore district. Twentynine watersheds have been prioritised for development, including five watersheds located in Reserved Forests and hence development activities have been undertaken in twentyfour watersheds. During the project period, efforts are being taken to conserve soil and moisture of the region through Trench-cum-Bund, Ring Bund, vegetative barriers, erosion control measures, and construction of various water harvesting structures in the project locations. Afforestation is another important component, under which, Agro forestry and Agro Horticulture are taken up and developed as block, avenue and bund plantations. Capacity Building of farmers and experiential training through field demonstrations are imparted by experts from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The overall goal of this initiative was to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of rural poor in vulnerable rain-fed areas through integrated watershed management.

Institution Building

All the Stakeholders / Farmers were formed into Watershed User Groups (WUG) to micromanage the watersheds. 36 WUGs have so far been formed in twenty four watersheds, each WUG comprise up to 20 members. Each member give Rs. 100/- as monthly subscription to the WUG. A Corpus fund of Rs. 50,000/- has been granted to each WUG. This fund is revolved among the members for the purchase of Agricultural implements such as Sprayers, Choppers, Milk Machines, etc… It is given as interest free loan to members, who contribute their shares and repay the loan to the WUG.

Area Survey

To execute multifarious activities on watershed development programs in the target areas, a special area survey was conducted. To understand the basic concepts of the project, the beneficiaries were encouraged to take part in (i) this survey and to get involved in the data collection on various existing and needed infrastructures, (ii) PRA to understand and share knowledge of the geographical area and existing water bodies and physical structures and (iii) RRA to equip the small and marginal farmers to understand facts on catchment areas, water flow pattern, streams, gullies, channels, trenches, ponds, lakes, wells and bore wells.

Entry Point Activities

Twenty five (25) cattle troughs were constructed to provide drinking water to the cattle, each with a capacity of 2,625 litres. Water connections and Pipe fittings were done by the community through contribution. During the drought season, these cattle troughs were the only means of drinking water sources for the cattle population.

Information / Display Boards

To disseminate information among the farmers to adopt soil and water conservation techniques, many sign boards and display boards were erected in main places like Markets, Cross Roads, and Panchayat Offices. The sign and display boards played a major role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices. These boards are a reminder to the farmers exhorting them to participate and contribute to the watershed development programs.

Workshops

COODU has organised 47 workshops for all stakeholders in the watersheds at various locations to share information on watershed development techniques, water management, including micro irrigation and modern agricultural practices through various modules, such as group discussions, experience sharing and documentaries.

Irrigation / Percolation Tanks

Percolation tanks are formed on permeable soil, with the effect that stored water percolates down to ground water/ aquifers and also penetrate surrounding areas thereby recharging wells and bore wells. These are mostly earthen structures, with masonry structure for spillways. To tap the percolating water in the downstream areas, wells have been dug out across streams and bigger gullies, which also impound a part of the run-off water. Totally, 110 such tanks were constructed/renovated and about 7.07 Lakh Cu.M. of soil had been desilted from these tanks.

Farm Ponds

The basic concepts of farm pond are collection of rainwater within the fields in low-lying areas and trap the silt and to provide drinking water to cattle and protective irrigation to crops at critical stages. The silt collected from ponds are used for bunding and the percolating effect of the ponds causes water table to rise and recharge nearby wells. In the watershed areas, 200 farm ponds have been formed so far.

Check Dam - concrete

From the Western Ghats, numerous natural as well as wild streams flow down. To tap the natural streams, 79 concrete check dams have been constructed. These check dams store water, arrest erosion and provide drinking water to cattle even during lean seasons.

Land Treatment

To arrest soil erosion and to prevent run off across bunds, embankments along the periphery of farmlands were formed to stop overflows of the water from the bunds and store water within the farms, with community participation.

Trench Cum Bund (TCB)

To store rain water within the fields and cause percolation effect, trench cum bunds were formed with the use of “A” frame techniques. These trenches are covered with coconut fronds, husks, coconut coir piths and fallen leaves to reduce water vaporization and conserve soil moisture. These mulching materials increase soil organic carbon, enriching the soil and enhancing productivity. 2500 Ha. of TCB have been formed.

Contour Bunding

Contour bunding is a proven, sustainable land management practice for marginal, sloping and hilly lands where soil productivity is very low. This contour bunding is a well adopted technique made with the use of “A” frame technology.

Ring Bund

For judicious and effective use of water, a bund is formed around a coconut tree, usually with a radius of 1.5 mts and it was covered with coconut fronds, coir piths, husks and other mulching materials to conserve soil moisture and to reduce evaporation. Since farmers are not adopting Ring Bund systems, COODU had motivated the farmers to form and use them.

Fodder Plants On Bunds

Bunds are protective components of all water resources and soil and moisture conservation measures like TCB and Ring Bund. Even after compaction, wind or rains falling on bunds cause erosion, thereby breaching the protective barrier. Hence, COODU motivated farmers to plant fodder crops on bunds and in the field, due to which, soil erosion was arrested and the farmers feed their cattle with the crops.

Loose Boulder Check Dam

Natural and wild streams have to be tapped and the flowing water harvested either to replenish ground water or recharge wells and bore wells and also for use by cattle. A small cost efficient structure across the stream in required locations is suffice to arrest the flow and store water. At the same time, the flowing water should be allowed to seep through the structure so that the pressure of water does not cause a breach in the structure. A loose boulder check dam constructed in watershed areas last long and need less maintenance. It also restricts gully formation in catchment areas and helps the flow system of the streams. In the watersheds, Seventy five loose boulder check dams have been constructed.

Pasture / Common Land Development – Grass Seeding / Tree Planting

Efforts have been taken to form pastures in barren land by farmers, which may bring remunerative income to the farmers who may also use it to graze their cattle In Maruthur, kalampalayam, Kemmarampalayam and Thekampatti Panchayats, 1350 saplings have been planted as foreshore plantations. As tree guard, live fencing, with thorny plants have beeen planted by Watershed User Groups.

Foreshore / Bund Plantation

Foreshore plantations on bunds have immense potential for green cover, avoid evaporation from bunds, controlling harmful pests, fuel and fodder for their cattle and also protect farm crops from other cattle. The foreshore/ Bund plantations attract birds in large numbers; these provide manure; the fallen leaves are good mulching material and when fruit crops are planted, its fruits also provide remunerative income to farmers.

Theme Related Support Activities - Sediment Monitoring Units

Sediment transport is the general term used for the transport of material like clay, silt, gravels and boulders in streams. By analysing the total sediment discharge in a stream, the total volume of sediment particles in motion per unit time can be arrived at.. It includes the sediment transported by bed load motion and suspension as well as the wash load. COODU has established a monitoring unit to stop soil erosion and intervene in water flow pattern.

Soil Moisture Indicator

Irrigation water management requires timely application of the right amount of water. If there is a water shortage that can reduce yields or if there is excessive water application that can result in water logging or leaching of nitrates below the root zone, soil moisture indicator can be used to ascertain the level of moisture in soil. Competition for water, high pumping costs, and concerns for the environment are making good water management more important. To plan for the management and to promote efficient irrigation management practices such as irrigation scheduling based on soil moisture status, COODU has installed a soil moisture indicator in the target areas.

Soil Testing

Soil testing is essentially needed to determine appropriate crops to be cultivated in a particular field. For efficient irrigation management practices such as irrigation scheduling, COODU has tested soil in 600 places. For better and economic use of bio fertilizers and better soil management practices for high crop yield, soil test is needed.

Compost Units – Vermi

Earthworms play an important role in sustainable agriculture. Their burrowing improves soil structure. Worm castings enrich soil by converting dead plant or other organic material back into nutrients. There are two types of vermin compost making - aerobic and anaerobic methods and COODU has adopted both. Red wigglers, white worms and other earthworms are used in the units to create compost. Various mixtures of decomposing vegetable and crop wastes are used as bedding materials and as food for the worms. Earthworm castings are harvested once in every forty five days.

Compost Units – NADEP

To reduce use of chemical fertilizers and to promote bio fertilizer among the farmers, NADEP compost making was introduced in 2015-16. Harvests of high yields of vermin casting in a small rectangular brick tank, which was constructed in 2015-16 was made. Crop residues, domestic and agricultural waste are poured into the tank and when it turns into compost, it serves as bio fertilizers for organic cultivation. Using of bio fertilizers is one of the factors in sustainable agriculture practices and also it reduces the cost of cultivation. Due to the use of bio fertilizers, the harvest is high with nutrient yield.

Compost Units

Apart from vermin and NADEP compost units being managed for the WUAs, 148 pits were dug in 2015-16 by the farmers on their own and the same was maintained by them with the proper guidance and support of COODU.

Green Manuring / Cover Crop

During off seasons, cover crops like Kolunchi – Tephrosia Purpureaare was planted for the purpose of adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil. They are inexpensive to plant, and serve multiple purposes. They reduce soil loss from rainwater erosion, maintain soil surface infiltration, improve soil health and fix nitrogen in the soil during rain.

DEMONSTRATIONS / FIELD TRIALS - FFS / Demo plots – Kharif & Rabi

Farmers Field School & Demo Plots were arranged from 2015-16 onwards. In the demonstration plots, different type of mulching materials like Coconut Fronds, Coir Pith, Green manure and Coconut Husks were used to cover the trenches around 4 Coconut Trees and 4 Banana Trees and also 4 Coconut and 4 Banana trees without trenches for testing. Soil fertility, Soil Moisture, soils devoid of bugs and insects were taken into account and the same was explained to the farmers by TN Agricultural University and Gandhigram Rural University Professors. 89 fields was selected and made into demo plots. Key and lead farmers from each locality were selected. Nearby farmers were formed into FFS groups and training was imparted to them by the demand Management team of COODU.

Mechanisation Promotion

Among the WUGs comprising small and marginal farmers, COODU has introduced special mechanization with Chop Cutters, Power Tiller, Sprayers, Rotavator, Water Tanker, Power Weeder, among others, to facilitate cultivation processes and improve efficiency. One WUG has availed a tractor with trailer. Many mechanized instruments were introduced to reduce input cost and to raise yields.

New ABC / WUG Formation

To equip the farmers who have purchased agricultural equipments and involved in farm mechanization to work together, COODU had formed 31 groups. COODU has thus created a platform for the farmers to share their experiences and meet once a month, to discuss among themselves to seek solutions to their problems.

Common Land Development

150 species of tree saplings were planted in a common land in Maruthur Panchayat. Fencing was done and saplings also planted by COODU. Maintenance is being done by the Panchayat and local people. Watering is done by MGNREGS workers

Demand Side Interventions

Activities like FFS, TCB and introduction of Water Saving Technologies made heavy impact among the farmers. During Group Discussions and Monthly meetings, they have expressed that their existing Drip Irrigation nostrils were blocked and they cannot proceed with the old systems. COODU has found solutions for their problems (special chemical has to be added with the water during watering to the plants). They stated that using a chemical during the watering has cleared the nostrils blocks. Hearing other farmers during the experience sharing meeting, farmers who have not installed drip irrigation system, asked COODU co-ordinators to arrange to get drip irrigation systems installed. Accordingly, COODU discussed it with the ITC - MSK and got Drip Irrigation systems installed by approaching and arranging with the department of Agriculture at 100% subsidy. With the support of Government of Tamil Nadu, COODU has established Drip Irrigation Programs. Totally, 572 farmers have benefitted and their 722 Ha. of lands are irrigated under Drip Irrigation systems in the watershed areas. Measures such as Mulching, Ring Bund and Drip Irrigation have been replicated by other farmers on their own

Vegetation Modelling (Plantation And Fodder)

COODU has highlighted the links between plant functional traits and soil properties, aiming towards ecological intensification of sustainable agriculture. To motivate farmers to reduce the cost of agricultural inputs and to develop their cattle and stop erosion in their ponds and bunds, they were encouraged to adopt fodder cultivation in their farm lands where TCB and Farms Ponds were formed. Consequently, 100 farmers had adopted fodder cultivation in their 103 ha of lands by planting fodder crops like Co. FS 29 and Cumbu Nepier. Fodder cultivation not only arrested soil erosion in the bunds, but it also provided special green food to the cattle. Moreover, small and marginal farmers were encouraged to form Drumstick plantation in their farms. The leaves harvested from their farms could be sold to merchants, where they can get good remunerative prices. The harvested Drumsticks could also be sold to the merchants

Creation Of Awareness:

In the 21 hamlets in the seven gram Panchayats, one to one and one to group interactions were held to create awareness on the watershed projects among the people of the watersheds and motivate them to participate in the projects. Wall paintings on watershed activities further created awareness and motivation.

Household Survey:

The survey was conducted to collect data on demography, socio economic status, livelihood sources and agriculture and other activities.

Participatory Rural Appraisal: (PRA).

PRA Exercises were conducted in four strategic locations in the watershed areas to collect information on resources, problems faced by people from all walks of life and details related to infrastructure, amenities and the requirements of the people. The exercises brought people together and motivated them to participate in watershed activities. Individual farmers / beneficiaries were identified and watershed plans were prepared with the participation of people.

Capacity Building:

The Programme staff, including community organisers, were first trained on watershed activities and watershed management by experts. Afterwards, the watershed user group members were imparted with skills and knowledge on conservation and development measures by resource persons.

Institution Building:

All the Stakeholders / Farmers were formed into Watershed User Groups (WUG) to micromanage the watersheds. 9 WUGs have so far been formed in seven watersheds, three of which have been selected in 2016 – 17. Each WUG comprise up to 20 members. Each member give Rs. 100/- as monthly subscription to the WUG. A Corpus fund of Rs. 50,000/- has been granted to each WUG. This fund is revolved among the members for the purchase of Agricultural implements such as Sprayers, Milk Machines etc… It is given as interest free loan to members, who contribute their shares and repay the loan to the WUG.

Watershed Activities

There are Eleven Activities to conserve and develop the Watersheds.Activities that benefit individual farmers are:
1. Trench Cum Bund.
2. Vermi Compost Making.
3. NADEP Compost.
4. Farm Ponds.

Activities That Benefit Whole Communities Are:

1. Cattle Trough.
2. Loose Boulder Check Dam.
3. Gabion, Minor Check Dam.
4. Major Check Dam.
5. Percolation Tanks.
6. Recharge of Wells.
7. Renovation of Existing water harvesting structures.

Contribution From Farmers / Stakeholders:

In an unprecedented achievement, the PIA –COODU motivated the farmers / Stake holders to contribute their share for the execution of works benefiting them individually as well as the community. For works benefiting individual farmers such as Farm Ponds and TCB, the Contribution is 20 %of total Estimate cost of the work concerned. For supply of Vermi and NADEP Compost Units, the contribution is 25 % of the estimate cost. For community works, the contribution is 5 - 15% of the estimate cost.

Marico Projects

Marico Limited is one of India's leading consumer products companies operating in the beauty and wellness space. Currently present in 25 countries across emerging markets of Asia and Africa, Marico has nurtured multiple brands in the categories of hair care, skin care, edible oils, health foods, male grooming, and fabric care.
COODU was approached by Marico in August 2018 to create water resources and initiate intervention measures in coconut farms to increase production of coconut. The Organisation conducted a survey in the hamlets of Mullupadi, Devanampalayam, Perumpathy,Kothavadi, etc., in Kinathukadavu block for willing farmers in whose lands farm ponds are to be formed. From the survey, 39 farmers were identified Likewise, 300 farmers, in whose lands intervention measures such as Trench cum Bund(TCB) and Ring bund are proposed, were identified and their consent to carry out the measures was obtained. The following Project components were taken up and executed.
PHASE 1
i. Farm Ponds in 39 farms
ii. TCB and Ring bund in the farms of 300 farmers.
iii. Training of farmers
PHASE 2
i. Farm Ponds in 12 farms
ii. TCB and Ring bund in 158 farms.
iii. Training of farmers.
From all the farmers, the following documents were obtained.
1. Application from beneficiaries
2. Land particulars (Copy of ownership document, etc.)
3. Liability clause certificate from beneficiaries
4. Completion / Acknowledgement certificate from beneficiaries
5. Photo documentation (Before, During and After implementation)
6. Monthly activity report
7. Monthly financial report
8. Completion report

Creation Of Awareness And Interactions:

Wall paintings were done to create awareness on the Project and interactive meetings were held to sensitise the farmers on water use efficient practices.

Duration Of The Project

Eight months from Aug 2018 to March 2019.

Completion Of Works:

Farm Pond works commenced in August 2018 and completed on 30.11.2018. Works on Soil and Moisture Conservation measures were completed on 15.12.2018. Trainings were completed in January 2019.

Outcomes: (As Of Feb 2019)

With rainfall, Productivity and Production of coconut palms are expected to increase and consequently, the remunerative income of farmers is bound to rise.

Watershed Development For Climate Resilience Management

Housing Development Bank Financial Services Ltd., (HDBFS) approached COODU in December, 2019, asking to send details on experience of COODU in watershed development under CSR, which was complied with. Thereafter, COODU sent a proposal for development of four watersheds in four Gram Panchayats of ANNUR block in Coimbatore district as asked by HDBFS, which was sanctioned. COODU, as implementing partner, had commenced watershed activities on February 1, 2020. The following progress has been made.

Completed Tasks:

• Delineation of four watersheds and digitised maps prepared
• Recruitment and orientation training of eight programme staff
• Establishment of field office and furnishings
• Resolutions passed by four Gram Panchayats for implementation of Watershed Development Projects by HDBFS and COODU

Activities In Process (As Of March Tenth):

• Awareness campaign
• Baseline survey
• Selection of Entry Point Activities
• Arrangement of conduct of PRA

HDB – CSR PROJECT

Watershed development for climate resilience management annur block, coimbatore district

Executive Summary

Introduction:

Our world is burning, literally and figuratively. Wildfires in California, the Amazon, Australia, Siberia, devastated vast stretches of pristine forests, gobbled up lives of thousands of animals, destroyed properties and caused evacuation of thousands of people.Hurricanes, storms, cyclones have destroyed lives and properties in North America’s Eastern Seaboard, the Caribbean islands, South East Asia recently.

In India, Bombay and the whole state of Kerala and coastal regions of Tamil Nadu were severely affected, inundated, destroying livelihood sources.

Solution may lie in Climate Resilience.

With the world taking tentative steps – that too hesitantly, to reach climate accord and enforce it, we, as individuals and as groups, can contribute towards a clean Environment and vibrant Ecology, at least in our part of the world, even if it is a tiny speck on planet Earth. Our proposal on Watershed development for climate Resilience management, it is fervently hoped, will be a step forward.

Goal

Conservation of natural resources within watershed in a participatory and integrated manner, in which human needs are met in balance with the need to sustain the natural environment.

Problems / Issues

Annur block falls in rain shadow region, in a very low rainfall zone.
While Annual average rainfall is 679.77mm in the district, average Rainfall in Annur block is 559.0 mm.
Rainfall variability is very high in Annur at 48.47%.
Ground water level is low in Annur at 40 meters below ground level.
State Government has restricted ground water development for irrigation in Annur block, categorized as over exploited.
No tank or canal in Annur block.
Annur block is fully dependent on Rains.

Solutions:

Solutions to the problems lie in harvesting every drop of water that falls in the watershed area and store it in Water Harvesting Structures, wherefrom, water percolates down to ground replenishing it and also recharges open wells and bore wells. To ensure storage of clean water, catchment area of each water resource should be kept clean and water should be filtered by letting it through stone pitch and vegetative barriers in to the resource.

Development Plan:

Plan is to execute developmental works in three components, namely soil and moisture conservation, water resources development and afforestation & pasture development.

Stakeholders Engagement:

Adoption of participatory Approach is the only effective way to achieve objectives of watershed project. In this bottom up approach, whole watershed community is involved in planning, implementation and post project management, to manage which, watershed Association comprising all people and Watershed Development committee comprising representatives are formed.

Expected Outcomes:

Rise in level of ground water, open and bore wells on sustainable level.
Availability of clean surface water.
Required storage capacity in water resources.
Increase in production and productivity of all crops.
Enhancement of income for all farmers.
Livelihood security for all labourers.
Growth in Rural Economy.

Risk Management:

There may be risks such as drought, deficient rainfall, pest attack, low productivity which have to be overcome as follows:

Drought tolerant crops such as gingelly, maize, sorghum, blackgram, soybean, groundnut, pearl millet, greengram, bambaranut, lablab bean, cowpea, chickpea and drought resistant wheat may be planted.
Crops that require less water comparatively, like millets may be planted as alternative crops.
To prevent pest attack, spraying neem oil and light trap may be adopted.
To increase productivity, mulching may be practiced.

Methodologies:

Both People’s Participatory Approach (PPA) and watershed Approach have been proved to be successful in water stewardship programme being implemented by COODU with the achievement of all objectives in seven village panchayats in Karamadi block of Coimbatore district.

Conclusion:

Annur block is situated in Rain Shadow Region, like Karamadai block, where four years of development of twenty four watersheds have yielded tangible results and where 3120 Ha of land have been treated and made productive, 7,44,817 CuM of water storage have been created, 43,187 saplings/seedlings have been planted in blocks, avenues and bunds and so on. These achievements can certainly be replicated in Annur.

Reports:

HDB - COODU - Watershed program - quarterly report - Q1 - Click here

HDB - COODU - Watershed program - Photo document Click hear