A survey of Kothapally village indicated that initially: (i) dry land areas were more extensive than irrigated land; (ii) literacy was low; (iii) labour was scarce; (iv) more fertilizers/pesticides were used on small farms (v) crop yields were low, (vi) there was not even a single water harvesting structure in the village. Let us observe the interventions done to enhance productivity and income (Soil and water conservation measures) in this village.

International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics( ICRISAT) educated villagers in large numbers and provided technical support for cost-efficient water storage and soil conservation structures. The measures were community as well as individual farmer-based. These helped to restore some resources and conserve others so that they may never be depleted. Thus sustainable management was carried out.

What is ICRISAT, where is it? What are its functions? Discuss with your teacher and prepare a report on it. Community-based interventions Fourteen water storage structures (one earthen and 13 masonry dams) with water storage capacity of 300 to 2 000 m3 were constructed. 60 mini- percolation pits and field bunding on 38 hectares were completed.