Current Science

Anup Das ¹, R. K. Singh ¹, G. I. Ramkrushna ¹, Jayanta Layek ¹, A. K. Tripathi ¹, S. V. Ngachan ¹, B. U. Choudhury ¹, D. P. Patel ², D. J. Rajkhowa ¹, Debasish Chakroborty ¹, P. K. Ghosh ³

Affiliations
1 ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam 793 103, IN
2 ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati 413 115, IN
3 ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, IN

Abstract

The north eastern region (NER) of India receives bountiful rains (>2000 mm) annually. However, there is extreme water scarcity during post- and premonsoon season (November-March). In such a situation, roof water harvesting (RWH) holds promise for multiple livelihood opportunities. RWH unit with polyfilm lined water collection tank of 37 m³ storage capacity (i.e. 5.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 m³) was demonstrated at 11 farmers fields mostly on hill tops in the Ri-Bhoi district (Meghalaya). The average demonstration area was 500 m²/farmer in the vicinity of homesteads (kitchen gardens). Volume of water harvested in a collection tank was about 53 m³ including about 16 m³ harvested during dry season due to seasonal replenishment. The cost of water harvesting was estimated at about Rs 144 and Rs 119/m³ considering lifespan of five and ten years respectively. Farmers used harvested water for diversified activities such as raising crops [maize, broccoli, French bean, laipatta (Brassica juncea), tomato, etc.] and livestock (pig or poultry) in addition to domestic use. The farmers without RWH could use land only during rainy season for crop cultivation. On an average, the net income from each RWH based model (500 m² demonstration area) was Rs 14,910 for crop + piggery and Rs 11,410 for crop + poultry farming which was 261 and 176% higher, respectively than the normal farmers' practice. Similarly, employment and water use efficiency enhanced by 221 and 586%; and 168 and 218% under crop + piggery and crop + poultry based farming respectively.

Keywords

Jalkund, Multiple Use of Water, NER Hills, Rain Water Harvesting, Silpaulin.

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S. K. Baishya ¹, H. M. Sangtam ¹, Mhalo Tungoe ¹, Megokhono Meyase ¹, Zuchamo Tongoe ¹, B. C. Deka ², L. K. Baishya ³, D. J. Rajkhowa ⁴, Sanjay Ray ¹

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha 797 111, IN
2 ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone-VII, Umiam 793 103, IN
3 ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema 797 106\, IN
4 ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema 797 106, IN

Abstract

A case study of successful rural tribal youth on agrienterprises in Wokha district, Nagaland, North East India, under a project on Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) is presented here. A total of 200 rural, tribal, unemployed, educated youths between 18 and 35 years of age were selected for the programme. Four enterprises, viz. quality piglet production, poultry farming with hatchery unit, mushroom production with spawn production unit and cut-flower production were promoted. The output and outcome of the study over the last four years (2016– 2020) revealed that a total of 194 rural tribal youths from 22 villages have been running the various enterprises successfully and generating a handsome income of Rs 61,000–460,000, and providing the employment opportunity of 213–1150 man-days in the villages. The number of rural youth who migrated to urban areas was reduced from 458 to 284 with a 37% reduction in migration rate after implementation of the project.

Keywords

Agri-Enterprises, Agripreneurship, Migration Rate, Rural Tribal Youth, Skill Development.

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