Enhancement of Economic Security via Watershed Intervention Technology in Coimbatore District

Abstract

Watershed Intervention Technology plays a significant role in groundwater recharge. These structures enhance soil moisture regime, enrich soil fertility and thereby promote ecological balance through conservation of eco system. Besides, indirect benefits such as livestock development, improved quality of life in rural area on account of employment generation and income, and increased income, cash flow to the farmers and agricultural labourers also would result from watershed development programmes. Livestock plays an important role in the national economy as well as in the socio economic development. India is emerging as the world’s 2nd largest poultry market with an annual growth of more than 14 per cent, producing 61 million tones or 3.6 per cent of global egg production (Ministry of Agriculture, 2015). Livestock production plays a major role in the life of farmers in developing countries. It provides food, income, employment and many other contributions to rural development. For the study, two blocks namely Thondamuthur and Periyanaickenpalayam blocks in Coimbatore district in which groundwater was over exploited were selected. The major objective of the study is to assess off-farm impacts of watershed intervention technology. Livestock production and agriculture are intrinsically linked to each other, and both crucial for overall food security. The study concluded that livestock is an important livelihood activity for most of the farmers and also watershed intervention technology plays a vital role in improving the socio-economic conditions of rural masses.