Adoption of soil and water conservation technologies by the farmers of sardar sarover project catchment in Gujarat state

摘要

All the respondents were of tribal origin with agriculture as main stay for their livelihood. The average family size in the area was 10.7 members. They were economically very poor. Farmers cultivate paddy, maize, sorghum, pearlmillet, pigeonpea andurd in kharif season with primitive cultivation. Majority of farmers used bullocks for agricultural operations. Forest is the major source of fodder and fuel. Tribals also collect timru (Diospyros melanoxylon) and ashotri (Bauhinia racemosa) leaves, mahua (Madhuca indica) flowers, honey, gum etc. from forest for own consumption and for supplementirig their earnings. The most important agency for awareness and motivation to tribals for adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices was Forest Department. Common soil and water conservation practices adopted by farmers were intercropping, summer ploughing and gully plugging. Overall adoption level of recommended SWC practices in Sardar Sarovar Project area was 52.3 per cent. Finance was the major constraint for adoption of SWC practices.