Nakudi/Gobariya

The tribal district Pratapgarh of Rajasthan is very backward; paradoxically it is relatively rich in resources. Virtually almost all tribal people have their own land. Because of mismanagement and underutilization of natural resources of the region, Pratapgarh is one of the backward districts of Rajasthan state. The livelihood of local people in this area is dependent on agriculture. But, rain-fed agriculture fails to meet people’s requirement because the rainfall pattern is often erratic and unreliable, compounded by recurring drought. In this situation, the answer is in developing small irrigation systems wherever feasible and proper utilization of irrigation water. Initially, we are giving a demonstration of the micro irrigation system as well as irrigation pipeline so that irrigation efficiency can be increased and conveyance losses can be minimized. We have provided the pipeline sets to eligible farmers in the convergence with the scheme of Agriculture Department and also the contribution from beneficiary farmer too. Farmer’s contribution has generated a feeling of accountability towards the assets and will ensure the proper utilization too. To sustain higher income level and even to increase sharply the income level, the diversification to more profitable activities such as vegetable cultivation will take place. With the availability of water, the quickest and highly profitable activity could be vegetable cultivation.  The farmers may start getting returns in about 45 days of sowing. To ensure the accountability and sustainability of the program we will form VDCs. GVT will also organize some training and capacity building programs.

An astonishing acceptance for meeting our water crisis is seen among the beneficiaries of irrigation pipelines.  31 irrigation pipelines units are installed in the village, awareness of the community about the use and management is multiplied among the participant and advocates others to adopt improved techniques of irrigation to encourage suitable water management. By an analytical assessment, the Crop production is higher by 20 to 40 percent, because plants can get air and water in required quantities, resulting in regular growth of crops. The participants concluded that lesser laborers are required for irrigation work, irrigates more area and has lesser investment. This irrigation method saves 30 to 70 percent water and it is possible to irrigate three times more area with the same amount of water and lead to increased yield.

The present situation raises the conditions of the tribal people by proper utilizing the available resources in the areas of this district for increasing agriculture production, development of water resources, reducing migration by entrepreneurship development, infrastructure development and capacity building.