Integration of developmental initiatives through initiatives of Water resource management, agriculture, animal husbandry & healthcare, women empowerment, skill development, education and infrastructure development in Kutch

The area is water scarce due to low annual rainfall of 350 - 400 mm. The main livelihood sources are from agriculture and animal husbandry dominant under rainfed conditions. Salinity ingress is a major problem due to adjoining seacoast resulting in an increase in TDS. The depleting groundwater due to non-judicious pumping for irrigation has added to water scarcity. The increasing cost of cultivation and declining net realization with crop losses due to climate change have affected the farmers with increased debts to clear. The increase in cooperative-driven milk business has enabled the population to adopt animal husbandry, with the increasing cattle population, the accessibility and affordability of health care services for animals are questionable due to limited extension of services by a government department. The prevalence of veterinary quacks has increased for doorstep services with treatment through local medicines due to high margins and less expertise. The low literacy rate and non-willingness to work outside due to societal implications women are unable to contribute to their family’s income which deprives them of decision-making for their family. The accessibility and affordability to attain skills are limited within the village and the lack of a common platform to associate them with their concerns is missing too.

Increasing water storage through the construction/renovation of structures like ponds, wells, dams, and rooftop rainwater harvesting structures to in increase the timeline of water availability. Groundwater recharging initiatives to improve the water quality and water-table for consumption and for irrigation are implemented.

The learning from Agri-institutions/dept. is demonstrated with a decentralized approach to adopting climate-resilient cropping practices with the incorporation of multiple-cropping systems to mitigate crop losses due to adverse weather conditions.

Under animal husbandry, a separate veterinary team is placed at 3 clusters across 65 villages to facilitate animal rearers to adopt better husbandry practices and provide veterinary services at the doorstep with affordability in association with government departments.

In women empowerment, training women on stitching/garment making is imparted with linkages for job work by manufacturers. Later associating them as Self-Help Groups for imbibing regular saving habits and inter-loaning for their financial needs under a women federation with 5,000 women.

In education, the students/youth are being capacitated on communication development through plays, writing skill workshops etc. Book fairs with books from more than 40 publishers are organized at discounted prices.

The infrastructure development is also implanted for villages/institutions for the improved facility at an accessible distance like streetlights, drinking water infrastructure, community halls etc.

1. Improvement in water quality.
2. Drinking water security.
3. Soil health improvement and optimising farm income and productivity.
4. Reduced expenses on animal health care, sustained milk production, water and fodder security for animals.
5. Ensure regular income to women after skilling.
6. Financial assistance for livelihood intervention through the microfinance model with ease in availing it.
7. Providing students/youth with a platform to exhibit their talents.
8. Increased green cover to CO2 sequestration.