Nurturing Nature - BAIF's Transcendent Efforts in Nature Conservation

In this article, we delve into the remarkable work undertaken by BAIF Uttarakhand, focusing on its diverse range of initiatives that have fostered a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment. A journey of transformation focused on nature conservation, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment in the picturesque hilly region of Uttarakhand, where nature's bounty meets a rugged terrain!

1.?????Low-cost Bamboo-based Polyhouse:

Recognizing the need for sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the hilly terrain, BAIF Uttarakhand introduced 307 low-cost polyhouses. Low-cost bamboo based poly house is introduced to the farmers, so that, crops can be protected from the extreme weather events. Farmers are growing many seasonal vegetables for adopting low volume and high value cropping systems. Through polyhouse technology, farmers are also growing off-season vegetables. These structures have a life of at least 6 years thus giving assured income as compared to in open conditions. The women farmers are happy and told that they no more need to purchase tomatoes from market and are having their own polyhouse tomato. The farmers are growing pea, tomato, cabbage, leafy vegetables, capsicum, coriander, cauliflower, cucumber etc. in their poly houses which were earlier getting destructed due to hailstorm. The participants have been given training for nursery raising and management.

With polyhouse technology, farmers are able to grow 4 to 6 types of crops in a year. There is increased income besides increased no. of days of vegetable availability and increased production area. Farmers are also aware of seed quality. As off-season vegetables are also being cultivated in these polyhouses which further adds to their income. With more availability of vegetables, farmers are also getting balanced diet with required nutrition.?These structures shield crops from extreme weather conditions, allowing year-round cultivation of vegetables and cash crops. As a result, farmers have witnessed increased yields, reduced crop losses, and greater economic stability. Moreover, BAIF Uttarakhand facilitated the adoption of high-value vegetable cultivation, encouraging farmers to grow crops with high market demand and profit potential. Through proper training and market linkages, farmers gained access to lucrative markets, boosting their income and livelihoods. After this intervention, farmers are able to earn an income of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000 per year, and they can also fulfill their daily vegetable consumption needs in their diet.

2.?????Conservation of Indigenous Food Crops:

In a region known for its rich agricultural heritage, BAIF Uttarakhand took a vital step in preserving indigenous seeds. Recognizing the importance of traditional varieties in maintaining biodiversity and adapting to changing climatic conditions, BAIF Uttarakhand established seed banks. Local farmers were encouraged to save and exchange indigenous seeds, preserving centuries-old agricultural wisdom for future generations. There are a number of native crops which can tolerate stress and have adapted well to unique climatic conditions in fragile hill areas. The main objective behind promoting agro-biodiversity is to conserve and revive diverse, native and sturdy crop cultivars with relevance to local foods and nutrition security, which can withstand the climate change and related vulnerability arising from that.

The overall strategy in supporting and promoting conservation of crop genetic resources is based on the following objectives:

• Conservation of crop diversity and knowledge associated with it focusing on food security, risk mitigation and livelihood development.
• Characterization and evaluation of crop landraces and trials for productivity enhancement of worthy landraces.
• Establishment of community managed seed banks and promoting village level seed production.

?72 landraces of 20 crops have been identified. Many seed keepers and 27 seed multipliers have been identified. There has been establishment of seed plots for multiplication including 6 plots of rajma (19 landraces), 6 plots of soybean (3 landraces), 6 plots of Amaranthus (2 landraces), 3 plots of Ogal (1 landrace), 6 plots of paddy (2 landraces) and 6 plots of finger millet (2 landraces). Multiplication trials are done for seed purity and collection. The performance of these native crops is assessed in light of climate change. There has been establishment of “Indigenous Seed Bank. The seed bank has collection of various crop seeds including local vegetables and native food crops. Perennial and dual purpose crops like Rajma and fodder security purpose crops are being conserved. With the conservation of native seeds, there comes food and nutritional security, seed sovereignty to farmers. The list of seed keepers is documented. Participatory events are being organized involving school children, women and farmers for capturing traditional knowledge and intergeneration transfer of knowledge. Traditional food fairs and food recipes documentation is also done. The local seed collectors are rewarded in order to encourage them.

3.?????Introduction of drip irrigation for increased use efficiency:

In hilly regions, water is a precious resource, and BAIF Uttarakhand focused on implementing effective water management techniques. The organization introduced drip irrigation systems, which significantly reduced water usage while ensuring crops received adequate hydration. These systems also minimized soil erosion and weed growth, contributing to enhanced soil health. For judicious and efficient use of water for irrigation purposes, drip irrigation facilities are provided to the participants to avoid the wastage of water during irrigation. Such participants were targeted that had flat land and lesser availability of water for irrigation. With water availability at critical stages of crop

growth, there has been increased vegetable and other crop production. Increased area is being covered under irrigation with efficient use of water through this technology. We have to cover 20,000 sq.m areas in Polyhouse and open field.

4.?????Climate-resilient farming system:

BAIF Uttarakhand placed great emphasis on biodiversity conservation. To promote natural pest control and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, biological control activities were introduced. Beneficial insects and organisms were integrated into agricultural practices, creating a balanced ecosystem that fosters crop protection and improves overall biodiversity.

5.?????Rejuvenation of Natural Spring:

The organization's commitment to environmental conservation extended to rejuvenating natural springs. By implementing sustainable water management techniques and afforestation activities around the springs, BAIF Uttarakhand restored ecological balance while ensuring a sustainable water supply for surrounding communities. Natural springs being vital sources of water in the hilly areas, were seen drying up or declining in flow due to reduced recharge and excessive groundwater exploitation along with excessive rain-water run- off. Through hydro-geological survey, natural springs are selected for rejuvenation. Jal samiti (water user or management groups) are formed in concerned spring sites.

Trainings and demonstrations were conducted for conservation and revival of natural water springs. Local villagers in participatory mode carry on the work of constructing gabions, dry boulder bunds, wells, rock filters, recharge pits, ponds and scattered contour trenches. A total plantation of 62000 plants is done at the spring rejuvenation sites. 15 spring sites of districts Champawat (Tyarshun, Banj gaon, Bhagna bhandari, Narsinghdanda 1, Narsinghdanda 2, Suyalkhark, Manar, Dingdai, Suyalkhar, Gambhir gaon, Tapnipal, khalkaniya, Manar, Saniya and Lamoti) are completed, 730 ha land is treated and 523 farmers have been involved in this activity. With spring rejuvenation activities, there has been increase in ground water level, the region is less affected by drought and there is reduced period of water scarcity.

6.?????Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Tank:

Initially it was observed that women had to travel 5-6 km to fetch water for drinking and other household purposes. Agriculture is mostly rain fed and due to adverse effects of climate change, farming is affected.

Thus, 150 roof top rainwater harvesting structures (Brick-sand-cement tank, capacity 15000 L) are introduced in selected families who had concrete houses and roof so that rainwater could be channeled into these structures.

Trainings and demonstration were conducted for conservation, harvesting and efficient use of water. 150 families have been covered under this activity. Now there is easy availability of water for farming and also there has been reduced women drudgery. There is water security for critical stages of crop growth.

7.?????Fodder Development / Silvipasture Development:

BAIF Uttarakhand promoted silvipasture development, which combined tree planting and pasture management. This innovative approach not only enhanced easy availability of grasses for livestock but also contributed to soil conservation and carbon sequestration, making the region more resilient to climate change. Good quality green fodder is essential for milk production and also maintains the health of dairy animals better than other synthetic / manufactured feeds. In hilly areas where accessibility to market is poor, it is necessary to ensure feed and fodder availability to the nearest point and at least cost. Realizing the importance of vanpanchayats (community land) in fodder production for better milk yields the project plans to develop the vanpanchayats into community pasture lands following the principle of silvi-pasture through people’s participation. There has been introduction of local indigenous nutritious fodder varieties. For smooth operation of vanpanchayats, 13 Silvi-pasture Management Committees (SMC) are formed. Capacity building is done through training and demonstration of seasonal and perennial fodder production crops. Plants like Oak, Kharsu, Phalyat, Utish, Kharik, Padam, mulberry etc. have been introduced in these Vanpanchayats. 73881 fodder plants and 120 Quintal Napier, 45 Kg Dolni and 20 Kg Gucchi grass have been planted and 136 ha area is under plantation.

With this activity, there is increased green fodder production, increased milk production and reduced feeding cost of milking animals. There is availability of green fodder all through the year and there is reduced nutritional deficiency of animals and hence improved animal health. More than 800 farmers are involved in silvipasture development. Survival rate of plants is noted to be more than 85%. Women drudgery is also reduced as fodder is available nearby.

8.?????Introduction of Improved Horticulture varieties:

It was observed that farmers in Champawat generally opted for mono cropping rather than tree based farming but with this they have a risk of complete loss of harvest on occurrence of any adverse weather events or pest attacks. High quality grafts of Walnut, Peach and apricot have been introduced on farmer’s fields with required agro techniques and support for management. 600 families and an area of 684469 sq. m areas have been covered. Trainings and demonstrations of orchard development are held. Improved varieties of peach (Para deluxe, Red June, Red heaven), Walnut (Hamdan, Suleman, CITH 1,2,3) Plum (Santa rose), Apricot and good quality seedlings of Malta have been introduced. Plants are treated with Bavistin, there is use of bio fertilizers and micronutrients. With the introduction of this component, there has been increased livelihood option, availability of different fruits at farmers’ house for their own consumption and also there is reduced risk of climatic hazards.

9.?????Introduction of Solar-based irrigation system:

BAIF Uttarakhand demonstrated its commitment to sustainable energy by introducing solar water lifting pumps. This green energy solution not only reduced farmers' dependence on traditional energy sources but also played a crucial role in sustainable water management, supporting agricultural productivity in remote areas. Under the Climate Change Adaptation project, we have introduced a solar-based irrigation system in the village of Narshingdanda. After the installation of this system, women's drudgery is reduced, and they now have access to safe drinking water at the household level.

10.?Introduction of new mini-Apple varieties:

BAIF Uttarakhand's successful introduction of Mini Apple, new Italian apple varieties, Kiwi and other temperate fruits in the hilly region. By leveraging modern agricultural practices and expertise, farmers diversified their crop portfolio, increasing income opportunities and enhancing food security. Under this activity, mini apple trees are planted in the fields of 75 families, and the results are very encouraging.

As we explore the various facets of BAIF Uttarakhand's initiatives, it becomes evident that BAIF’s vision of coexisting harmoniously with nature has translated into tangible benefits for both the environment and the people of Uttarakhand. By blending innovation, traditional wisdom, and community participation, BAIF’s programmes have become a shining example of how nature conservation and sustainable agriculture can go hand in hand, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future!

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