DEPARTMENT OF SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION, PUNJAB

ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT 2008-09

(1-4-2008 TO 31-3-2009)

 To Download Annual Administrative Report 2008-09 in Acrobat PDF Form Click Here

CONTENTS                                                                                                             

	Review of Working of Department in Year 2008-09
	Introduction
	Organization and Activities
	Land Development Works
	Water Management Works
	Training of Staff
	Soil Survey
	Finance of the Department

REVIEW OF THE WORKING OF THE SOIL AND WATER  CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT , PUNJAB FOR THE YEAR 2008-09

Annexure-I

    The role of Soil and Water Conservation Department, Punjab for conserving, saving and upgradation of the two vital natural resources is most important in the present scenario of diversified uses and fast pace of development. The Greed for maximizing economic returns from these two resources has put these resources under immense pressure and over exploitation, with the result that their degradation and depletion day by day may create an alarming situation. If immediate steps are not taken, these may further deteriorate to a level where it will be very difficult to maintain and upgrade these resources to sustain the agricultural production system. The groundwater is depleting at very fast rate and water table is going down from 30-50 cms. annually and has reached a stage where farmers have to deepen their tubewells and install new turbine pumping system with higher power requirements and electric motors so that they can go further deep to draw water to irrigate their crops. The farmers are unaware of the fact that this may lead to a situation where no further deepening and pumping out of water will be economically feasible and even possible unless the groundwater is recharged for keeping up a balance between recharging and pumping out the same. The old traditional methods of irrigation need to be replaced in a phased manner with the most efficient methods of conservation irrigation through drip irrigation, micro sprinkler irrigation and sprinkler irrigation

     The over exploitation of soils by adopting the wheat-paddy rotation continuously has depleted the macro/micro nutrients, minerals and trace elements of the soils. The soil health is deteriorating day by day and the formation of hard crust layers below the plough depth, resulting in impeded local drainage harmful for other crops and for leaching undesirable salts below. Soil structures have also been completely destroyed and organic contents in the soil have also been reduced to a low level.

     As per the policy of crop diversification of the state, these two important and basic resources of soil and water need to be taken care of and the department is putting in its best efforts to check the degradation of these resources and develop them for a sustainable, diversified agricultural system.  Although the State Government is already seized of the problem of degradation of soil, sharp depletion of underground water, lowering of water table in most parts of the State, a lot of efforts and funds are required for the sustainable development of these resources and check their further degradation, for sustaining agricultural production and effecting diversification in the cropping system and to meet the challenges in the wake of the WTO agreement.

      To carry out soil conservation and water management programs  Rs 6743.85 lacs were spent by the Department during the year 2008-09. Rs.5595.93 lacs were spent under the non plan, state plan, and centrally sponsored schemes, Rs. 549.42 lacs were spent under other District level schemes such as Integrated Wasteland Development Projects (IWDP), Reclamation of Ravenous areas & Wetlands, Rashtriya Savye Rozgar Yojna, Punjab Nirman Programme and National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) etc. In addition to it Rs. 485.50 lacs were spent under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) & Rs. 113.00 lac under 12^th Finance Commission. Total 25500 hectare area was covered under various land development and water management works in 2067 villages benefiting 22307 farmers.

      Under Watershed management works 6554 hectare area was covered in 178 villages owned by 5755 farmers. Under land leveling and waste land development works 4892 hectare area was covered in 305 villages benefiting 10085 farmers. Under water management works 187.783 km under ground pipeline was laid benefiting 5481 hectares owned by 2128 farmers of 356 villages. 5364 Hectares were covered under Water Harvesting Structures, Tapping of perennial flow and Small Lift Irrigation projects benefiting 1407 farmers of 75 villages. 3209 hectares were covered under Drip Irrigation scheme benefiting 2932 farmers of 1153 villages. Thus the total of 25500 hectares area was covered under Soil Conservation and Water Management works.

      Soil survey of detailed and semi detailed nature was conducted in 256222 hectares during the year 2008-09.

Annexure-II

CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE WORKING OF THE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB FOR THE YEAR 2008-09

            Keeping in view the present challenges of policy of diversification in agriculture, the department is putting in a lot of efforts for the sustainable development of soil & water resources according to the need of the day and new trends in agricultural production.  Diversification in agriculture can only be effected if the soil and water resources are upgraded and made suitable for the crops intended for cultivation in that area.  Proper soil & water conservation measures and irrigations techniques are being under taken, especially in rainfed areas i.e., the Kandi Area of Punjab.  Water Harvesting Technology is being used extensively in Kandi area and has proved to the most effective in the rehabilitation of the degraded Shivaliks by checking soil erosion, providing life saving irrigation, and recharging of ground water in the command areas.  Water harvesting from perennial sources for providing irrigation and recharging in command area is most economical and beneficial.  Efforts are being made to move forwarded regularly in this respect but for want of funds and financial restraints, the progress is not to the desired level.  A lot of efforts need to be put in yet, so far only a small beginning has been made and an area of 22792 hectares have been brought under life saving irrigation in Kandi area from different types of water management works like water harvesting dams, hill seepage taping projects, small water harvesting structure, lift irrigation schemes and ground water recharging projects.  

              Taking in view the depleting ground water and the stress on canal water availability, especially in the dark blocks in most of the districts, modern conservation irrigation techniques are being deployed for saving the already stressed water resources.  Conservation irrigation through drip, micro-sprinkler and sprinkler irrigation are being adopted for the last 10 years. About 12436 hectares have been covered under this scheme till date. During the year 2006-07 GOI introduced a new scheme of Micro Irrigation on Horticulture on 80:20 center state sharing basis. Under this scheme 50% subsidy is provided by GOI on Drip/Micro Sprinkler Irrigation. During 2008-09 this scheme continued and Rs. 706.98 lac (it includes Rs.202.10 lacs unspent balance of previous year) were released by GOI as 80% share and State Government released Rs. 106.00 lac as 20% share. During 2008-09 Rs. 637.16 lacs were utilized. Rs.20.00 lacs were utilized under National Horticulture Mission. 3209 hectares were covered benefiting 2932 farmers of 1153 villages. In addition to it 50%subsidy was provided on 144 water storage tanks in south-western Districts during the year under report.

         In addition to it during 2008-09 State Government also sanctioned funds under  NABARD-RIDF project under which 25% more subsidy is provided on Drip/Micro Sprinkler Irrigation system. Thus, during 2008-09 total 75% subsidy was provided on Drip/Micro Sprinkler Irrigation system. During 2008-09 Rs. 669.77 lac were released out of which Rs. 659.59 lacs were utilized under this project by covering 3209 hectares.

          Another 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme of pilot project for reclamation of ravines and gullied land in Gurdaspur district was sanctioned during the year 2008-09. Rs 80.85 Lacs were released by GOI but could not utilized as State Government sanctioned the scheme on 31-03-2009 and the bills were submitted but not passed by the treasury

          Under the Centrally sponsored Macro Management Works Plan, two sub schemes namely, National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Area (NWDPRA) and treatment of Catchment area of river Ghaggar (FPR), innovative technologies have been introduced to check soil erosion and water conservation. Such technologies can easily be replicated through people's participation and this aspect has been given the main thrust by involving the people in the planning and implementation of the programme under these schemes. During 2008-09 Rs.658.35 lacs were utilized by covering 5374 hectares under this programme.

          A new scheme for Rain Water Harvesting in the state was introduced in the year 2008-09. It is being operated in Kandi areas of the state. For the efficient use of water, Rain Water Harvesting structures, Makkowal type structures and small lift irrigation projects are constructed under this scheme for ground water storage, supplementary irrigation and erosion control. During 2008-09 Rs. 200.00 lacs were utilized under this scheme benefiting 1950 hectares.

INTRODUCTION

Prior to the year 1969, Soil Conservation works in the state were carried out by the Soil Conservation Wing of the Agriculture Department. Then its status was raised and was made an independent Department by the Punjab Government. It was named as “SOIL CONSERVATION AND ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT”  and the head of the department was designated as “Chief Conservator of Soils Punjab. The name of the department was changed as “DEPARTMENT OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION AND WASTE LAND DEVELOPMENT, PUNJAB” by the government in February 1993.During 2000 the name of the department was again changed as “DEPARTMENT OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION, PUNJAB” This is the 39^th annual report on the working of this department. Er. Sukhwant Singh Saini held the charge of Chief Conservator of Soils, Punjab during the year 2007-08.

 The annual report highlights activities and achievements of the department during the year under report which are summarized as follows:-

Soil and Water are two natural resources and the successful crop production depends upon the way, how best we utilize these two resources. The main objective is to conserve Soil and Water resources for their judicious use to obtain optimum return on sustained basis. On the basis of Soil and Water management programme, the State can be divided in to 3 Agro-climatic zones.

1.                  NORTHERN ZONE:

This is located in the foothills of Shivaliks and extends from Derabassi block of Patiala district to Dhar block of Gurdaspur district falling in Ropar, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur districts. Soil erosion due to flash floods and droughts are common features of this zone. The following Soil Conservation works are undertaken in this region:

i)                    Water harvesting structures are constructed to control flash flood and supplementary irrigation is provided to command area.

ii)                  Undulating lands are being terraced and leveled.

iii)                Tapping of perennial flow (Makkowal Type)  and lift irrigation.

iv)                Drainage line treatment.

v)                  Deep tubewells in Beet area of Garhshankar.

vi)                In the rainfed area of Kandi, Centrally Sponsored Scheme for rainfed agriculture is being executed.

vii)              Treatment of Catchment area of Thein Dam.

viii)            Treatment of Catchment area of river Ghaggar.

ix)                Ground Water Recharge.

2.                     CENTRAL ZONE:

It is comprises of Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Nawanshahar, Kapurthala and Amritsar districts. This zone is the most developed area of the State. The lands are   leveled   and  under  ground    water is   available  for  irrigation.   The   over  

exploitation of sub-soil water is causing ground water depletion in this zone at an alarming rate. In this zone following works are being undertaken:-

i)                    Modernization of irrigation conveyance system on individual tube wells. An underground pipeline system is laid to save water losses in conveyance.

ii)                  Reclamation of alkaline/saline and water logged area providing agricultural drainage.   

iii)                Ravine reclamation works are being carried out in area affected by river Beas, Ravi, Sutlej and many other tributaries which join these rivers.

                 The scheme of sand scraping is also being undertaken in this zone.

3.            SOUTHERN ZONE     

                      This comprises Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Mansa, Mukatsar, Moga, Faridkot and Ferozepur districts. In this region the sub soil water is generally brackish and unfit for irrigation. Irrigation water is available from network of canal system which has been carried to the fields by constructing lined water courses and also through under ground pipe line system. Sand dunes in this region are being reclaimed by scrapping of sand to bring out the good soil below it for agricultural purposes.

                          Apart from above works tapping of sullage water, chiseling and drip/micro irrigation works are also executed by the Department. Soil Survey wing of the Department is engaged in preparing the resources inventory in the State.

ORGANISATION AND ACTIVITIES

            The Soil and Water Conservation Department, Punjab is headed by the Chief Conservator of Soils, Punjab. During the year there were functioning three Circles and 14 works Divisions covering the entire State. The 14 works divisions had under them 43 works Sub Divisions with supporting staff. For the in-service training of the subordinate staff, there is Training Institute at Mohali under the charge of another Divisional Soil Conservation Officer. Besides this, there is one Soil Survey Division for Soil Survey work in the State under the charge of Divisional Soil Conservation Officer (Soil Survey) with headquarters at Mohali. Under Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, (Soil Survey) there are three Soil Survey Officers with head quarters at Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Mohali. Each works as Incharge of 5 Soil Survey parties. There is a separate Division for running and maintenance of Bulldozers, Tractors, Motor graders and Laser Levelers under the charge of the Divisional Soil Conservation Officer, (Machinery) with head quarter at Mohali. One Conservator works as Director (Technical) (SLUB) Punjab, head the State Land Use Board at Mohali.

            Organization chart of the Department for the year 2007-08 is given in annexure `A`.

 ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT:

            Land use statistics of the State for the year 2007-08 indicate that about 3% of the net sown area is un-irrigated. This implies that there is good scope for land treatment and water management works for bringing more area under irrigation. Water management works conserve water by checking seepage losses, thus creating more irrigation potential by which further area can be brought under irrigation. There is need for laying of under ground pipe line in the Southern and Central Districts. Also there is scope for the development of land already under cultivation by carrying out land leveling, land shaping and bench terracing works.

            The following types of works are executed by the department under various schemes of Soil   Conservation and Water Management works.

1.      Laying of underground pipe line for irrigation on tubewells.

2.      Land leveling/land grading/Chisling of soil.

3.      Gully reclamation and soil erosion control works on watershed basis.

4.      Water harvesting dam/Makowal type water harvesting structure.

5.      Lift irrigation.

6.      Ground Water Recharging.

7.      Improvement of handicapped area.

8.      Tapping of sullage water for irrigation.

9.      Sprinkler/Drip irrigation system.

10. Soil survey works.

Land Development & water management works are being executed by the department under the State Plan Schemes and Centrally sponsored .schemes mentioned below.

STATE PLAN SCHEMES :-

1.         SWC-4 Soil & Water Conservation  on watershed basis

This scheme is operative in the kandi area of the State. The scheme envisages the development of watersheds by various types of land development and water management works. Land treatment works like bench terracing, land leveling and gully reclamation have been done as anti-erosion and water conservation measures. For the efficient use of water, water harvesting structures, Makkowal type water harvesting and small lift irrigation schemes are constructed and laying of underground pipe lines for conveyance of water from the source to the field are carried out. Under this scheme the outlay was Rs. 100.00 lacs. The whole amount was utilized by benefiting an area of 980 hectares during the year 2008-09.

2.         SWC-5 Provision of Machinery Division at Head Quarter

The scheme was started during the year 1990-91. Under this, at present a fleet of 7 bulldozers, one excavator-cum-loader, 8 tractors, 1 trencher and 6 laser levelers is maintained for execution of various soil and water conservation works in the state. A machinery division headed by Divisional Soil Conservation Officer looks after this work. Punjab Govt. sanctioned Rs 50.00 Lacs during the year 2008-09. Out of which Rs. 47.57 lacs have been utilized. Rs. 42.00 lacs has been earned as revenue and deposited in the treasury during the reporting year.

3.         SWC-6 Project for promotion of Micro Irrigation in the State (NABRD-RIDF XIII).

This is new scheme introduced during the year 2007-08. Under this scheme 25% extra subsidy (in addition to 50% subsidy by GOI) is provided on Drip/Micro Sprinkler Irrigation system. During 2008-09, Rs. 669.77 lacs were sanctioned out of which Rs. 659.59 lacs were utilized benefiting 3209 hectares.

4.          SWC-7 Scheme for Rain Water Harvesting in the State.

This is new scheme introduced during the year 2008-09 and is being operated in Kandi Areas of the State. For the efficient use of water, Rain Water Harvesting structure, Makkowal type structures and small lift irrigation projects are constructed under this scheme for ground water storage, supplementary irrigation & Erosion control. Rs. 200.00 lacs were sanctioned under this scheme during 2008-09 which was utilized benefiting 1950 hectares.

CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES

            The following Centrally Sponsored schemes have been implemented during the year 2008-09.

1.         CS 1 - MACRO MANAGEMENT - WORKS PLAN (Natural Resource Management)

            This is Centrally Sponsored scheme on 90:10 Centre State sharing basis. The following three sub schemes were implemented under this program during the year 2008-09:-

a)         National Watershed Development Programme for Rainfed Area (NWDPRA):

The scheme is implemented in the selected watersheds in kandi areas. During 2008-09 works were executed in Ropar, Mohali, Nawanshaher, Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur districts. The objective is to enhance agriculture production and bio-mass through erosion control & in-situ moisture conservation by different soil & water conservation activities on watershed basis. State Govt. sanctioned Rs 600.33 lacs under this scheme during the year 2008-09 out of which Rs. 581.30 lacs were utilized benefiting 4785 hectares in Kandi area of the state.  

b)         Treatment of Catchment Area of Flood Prone River Ghaggar (FPR).

Under this Scheme Watersheds identified by AISLUS, Govt. of India and forming Catchment Area of River Ghaggar in Mohali and Ropar Distt. are treated.  The objective of the Scheme is to prevent soil loss from the Catchment to reduce siltation and improvement of land enhancing production and biomass. State Govt. sanctioned Rs 76.33 lacs under this scheme during the year 2008-09 out of which Rs. 70.26 lacs were utilized by treating 589 hectares

c)         Strengthening of State Land Use Board:-

The Board carried out the activities for generating mass awareness for optimum use of land and water resources in the state. State Govt. sanctioned Rs 10.00 lacs under this scheme during the year 2008-09 out of which Rs. 6.79 lacs were utilized. A State level seminar on “Future Strategies for Conservation & Management of National Resources” was organized on 27-2-2009 in which national level & state level experts and officers participated. National Land Resource and Conservation Week was celebrated during 14-20 November 2008. Semi detailed/detailed survey was carried out in 256222 hectares in different districts of the state.

2.         CS 2 – Pilot Project for reclamation of ravenous & gullied land in Punjab under Technology Development Extension & Training (TDET) 

            This is 100% GOI scheme. However, 40% share is contributed by beneficiaries on private land works. During the year 2008-09 GOI released Rs. 80.85 lacs under this scheme for ravine reclamation works in Gurdaspur district. The amount couldn’t be utilized as the amount was sanctioned on 31.3.2009 bills were submitted but not passed by the treasury.

3.         CS-3- Centrally sponsored scheme for Micro Irrigation

            This is new centrally sponsored scheme introduced in 2005-06 on 80:20 centre state sharing basis for promotion of Micro Irrigation (Drip & Sprinkler) on Horticulture. Under this scheme 50% subsidy is given to the farmers on the cost of Micro Irrigation System. GOI released Rs. 504.88 Lacs as 80% share during the year 2008-09 in addition to it Rs 202.10 lacs were available as unspent amount of previous year. State Government sanctioned Rs. 106.00 lac as corresponding 20% state share. Total Rs. 812.98 lacs were available during the year 2008-09. Rs. 637.16 lacs were utilized under this scheme by covering 3209 hectares under Drip & Micro Sprinkler Irrigation benefiting 2932 farmers. In addition to it 50% subsidy was provided on 144 water storsge tanks in South-Western Districts during the year under report.

OTHER SCHEMES

Rashtrya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY)

This is scheme of Agriculture Department. The objective of the scheme is to enhance agricultural production in rainfed area by efficient use of surface and sub-surface water. This scheme is implemented in Ropar, Mohali, Nawanshaher, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Sangrur, Muktsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Faridkot and Ludhiana districts. The main activities under the scheme are Rain Water Harvesting, Perennial Flow, Micro Lift Structure & Community Under Ground Pipeline. During 2008-09 Rs. 485.50 lacs were utilized under this scheme benefiting 5188 hectares.

12^th Finance Commission

This is scheme of Agriculture Department. The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the departmental machinery division. During 2008-09, 2 bulldozers are purchased amounting Rs. 113.00 lacs under this scheme.

Integrated Wasteland Development Project (IWDP)

  This scheme is implemented on District level funded by Rural Development Department. Under this program, schemes for Soil & Water Conservation works in special problematic areas of different districts are proposed to GOI through the respective Deputy Commissioners & implemented in the fields. Rs. 119.99 lacs were utilized under this scheme benefiting 1750 hectares during 2008-09.  

Scheme for Improvement of Wet Land

  To control the soil erosion, water harvesting & other land development works are executed in Ropar wet land and Harike wet land of Tarntaran district. Funds are provided by Punjab Science & Technology Department. Rs. 89.26 lacs were utilized by benefiting 713 hectares during 2008-09.  

Scheme for Sullage Water for Budha Nalah & Kali Bein

  To improve environment and to control the pollution, project for using treated sullage water for irrigation at Budha Nalah & Kali Bein are formulated and implemented. Funds are provided by Punjab Science & Technology Department. Rs. 62.94 lacs were utilized benefiting 50 hectares under Budha Nalah project and Rs.38.21 lacs were utilized benefiting 143 hectares under Kali Bein project during 2008-09.  

National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS)

  This Central Government scheme is implemented on district level. During 2008-09, it is being implemented in Nawanshahar & Hoshiarpur district. Rs. 80.30 lacs were utilized under this scheme during 2008-09.

ACHIEVEMENTS DURING  2008-09

              During the year under report a sum of Rs. 6743.85 lacs has been spent on covering an area of 25500 hectares under various soil conservation and water management works. Rs. 3293.31 lacs were spent under Non Plan, Rs. 2302.62 lacs were spent under State Plan and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Rs. 549.42 lacs were spent under other district level schemes i.e. Integrated Waste Land Development Projects (IWDP), Reclamation of Ravenous & Wetland, Rashtriya Savye Rojgar Yojna, Punjab Nirman Programme and NREGS etc. In addition to it Rs. 485.50 lacs were spent under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) & Rs. 113.00 lac under 12^th Finance Commission. 6554 hectares were covered under Watershed Management works benefiting 5755 farmers of 178 villages. 4892 hectares were covered under land leveling and wasteland development works benefiting 10085 farmers of 305 villages and 3209 hectares were covered under Drip Irrigation Scheme benefiting 2932 farmers of 1153 villages. 5481 hect. were covered under Water management works benefiting 2128 farmers of 356 villages and 5364 hectares were covered under water harvesting structures, tapping of perennial flow and small lift irrigation projects benefiting 1407 farmers of 75 villages. Thus, total 25500 hectares area was covered under various Soil Conservation and water management works in 2067 villages benefiting 22307 farmers.         

              A fleet of 7 bulldozers, 1 excavator-cum-loader, 8 tractors, 1 trencher & 6 laser leveler were engaged in land development works for 7036 hours during the year 2008-09. Under the scheme SWC-5 Machinery Division at Head Quarter, State Govt. released Rs. 50.00 lacs during the year 2008-09 out of which Rs 47.57 lac were utilized. During 2008-09, 2 new bulldozer were purchased from Finance Commission funds. 5109 hectares area was covered under land development works. Rs. 42.00 lacs were earned as revenue and deposited in the treasury during the year under report

            A State level seminar on “Future Strategies for Conservation & Management of National Resources” was organized on 27-2-2009 in which national level & state level experts and officers participated. National Land Resource and Conservation week was celebrated during 14-20 Novermber’2008 in different districts of the State. Soil survey of detailed/semi-detailed nature was conducted in 256222 hectares.

             There is Training Institute at Mohali to impart training to farmers and Technical persons upto the level of Soil Conservation Officers. The courses cover all the practical aspects of Soil & Water Conservation works such as land leveling, bench terracing, contour bounding, gully reclamation, water harvesting dams and drainage etc and also give lessons of practice in preparation of plan & estimates etc. 481 officers/officials and 269 farmers were trained under different courses at GOI training institute and departmental institute Mohali.

Benefits

             The likely direct and indirect benefits from different Soil & Water Conservation Works are as under:-

Ö        Assured/ Life-saving irrigation,

Ö        Increase in yield / production by 25%.

Ö        Conservation of irrigation water by 25% to 40%, 

Ö        Increase in Land value by 10%.

Ö        Farm land saving of 5%;

Ö        Power Saving by 30%;

Ö        Rain Water storage of approx. 1350 Ha-m,

Ö        Ground water recharge;

Ö        Control of salt-accumulation and Erosion Control;

Ö        30% Saving of Labour;

Ö        Improvement of physical condition & structure of soil;

Ö        Seasonal as well as permanent Water-logged area shall be reclaimed

Ö        Ravinous and marshy land along the rivers shall be reclaimed

Ö        Productive land having hard impervious pan shall be improved.

Ö        Help in diversification to vegetable & horticulture crops.

Ö        Training of Technical Officers/ Officials and Progressive farmers;

Ö        Extension & Awareness generation among farmers & rural masses;

Ö        Promotion & development of innovative field technologies through field demonstrations;

Ö        Farm Production system shall be strengthened by assisting small/ marginal farmers.

Ö        Livelihood of the landless families shall be improved through various income generating activities.

Ö        Socio-economic upliftment of small/ marginal farmers and the landless;

Ö        Environment shall be rehabilitated. 

New initiatives taken during 2008-09

In Punjab, the surface water resources are limited and the ground water resource is being depleted. The soil structure has got disturbed and the soil health is getting depleted. The department initiated some remedial steps during 2008-09 to reverse this negative trend. These are briefed as follows:

Awareness Campaigns

Keeping in view the over-exploitation of ground water resources, Awareness Campaigns for farmers regarding water conservation, agronomical measures, diversification to less water requiring crops etc. have been launched in various parts of the state.  A awareness camp was organized in which about 93 farmers and 9 officials participated. 481 officers/officials and 269 non-officials members/farmers got training at various soil conservation training centre of GOI and at the state Govt. training Institute, Mohali. 4 Exposure Visits were organized at Pune, Jalgaon, Coimbatore & Bikaner in which 22 officers/officials & 65 farmers participated.   

A State level seminar on “Future Strategies for Conservation & Management of National Resources” was organized on 27-2-2009 in which national level & state level experts and officers participated. National Land Resource and Conservation week was celebrated during 14-20 Novermber’2008 in different districts of the State.

Laser leveling  

In Punjab, there is a huge scope of on-farm water conservation, which can play a major role in arresting the depleting trend of ground water resources. Laser leveling is an innovative technique of land leveling which has been accepted world wide for its numerous benefits. This technology levels large tracts of land on a particular gradient flawlessly. Therefore, the irrigation water can be applied from one end of a large field that reaches the other end by natural flow. This technique not only helps in removing field dividing ridges on large farms but also helps in saving of irrigation water and farm inputs. Also, there is a uniform growth of plants in the field due to even application of irrigation water in every corner.

Keeping in view the above facts, department purchased two more Laser Leveling machines during the year 2007-08 & at present has 6 laser levelers leveling machines. About 800 hectares area has been leveled with these machines during the year under report.

Micro Irrigation

For conservation of irrigation water in the fields, a new scheme for promotion of Micro irrigation (Drip & Sprinklers) on Horticulture crops has been started. There is a provision of 50% subsidy for the farmers on the cost of MI systems. GOI released Rs. 504.88 Lacs as 80% share during the year 2008-09 in addition to it Rs 202.10 lacs were available as unspent amount of previous year. State Government sanctioned Rs. 106.00 lac as corresponding 20% state share. Total Rs. 812.98 lacs were available during the year 2008-09. Rs. 637.16 lacs were utilized under this scheme by covering 3209 hectares under Drip & Micro Sprinkler Irrigation benefiting 2932 farmers. In addition to it 50% subsidy was provided on 144 water storage tanks in South-Western Districts during the year under report.

During 2007-08, the State Govt. sanctioned a new NABARD-RIDF project for promotion of Micro irrigation on the state. Under this scheme 25% subsidy (in addition to 50% subsidy by GOI) is provided on Drip/Micro Sprinkler Irrigation system. Thus, total 75% subsidy is provided on Drip/Micro Sprinkler Irrigation System. During 2008-09, Rs. 669.77 lacs were released out of which Rs. 659.59 lacs were utilized under this scheme benefiting 3209 hectares. 

Scheme for Rain Water Harvesting in the State.  

This is new scheme introduced during the year 2008-09 and is being operated in Kandi Areas of the State. For the efficient use of water, Rain Water Harvesting structure, Makkowal type structures and small lift irrigation projects are constructed under this scheme for ground water storage, supplementary irrigation & Erosion control. Rs. 200.00 lacs were sanctioned under this scheme during 2008-09 which was utilized benefiting 1950 hectares.

LAND DEVELOPMENT WORKS 

Soil and water are two natural resources. Agricultural production depends upon the optimum utilization of these two resources. The top soil, (usually of 7” to 8” thickness) is the principal feeding zone for the growth of most agricultural crops. The loss of this valuable top soil by water and wind results in deterioration in the quality of land which if allowed continuing ultimately results in its going out of cultivation completely. It can be replenished only with the appropriate soil conservation measures and can be improved further by suitable follow up practices.

            The Punjab State in its northern region comprising of mountainous area is blessed with a good rainfall, but due to sloppy and undulating topography of land, there is a large scale soil erosion problem. To check this erosion, control measures are required to be taken in order to obtain sustained higher level of production. The area which suffers from soil erosion lies mostly in the district of Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Ropar, Mohali and part of Patiala district. In order to protect this land against erosion and for making it more productive soil conservation works such as gully reclamation and land leveling are being carried out.

Under gully reclamation and watershed management works 6554 hectare were covered benefiting 5755 cultivators of 178 villages and under land development works 4892 hectares were covered benefiting 10085 cultivators of 305 villages.

            District-wise progress of the soil erosion control works executed by the department in the Punjab state during 2008-09 has been given in the following tables:-

WATER MANAGEMENT WORKS

                        The prosperity of the State depends upon the development of Agriculture through extension of irrigation facilities. About 25% of irrigation water is lost in conveyance channels through seepage and evaporation. In addition, this seepage created problem of water logging. This loss can be eliminated and water thus saved can be utilized for more irrigation facilities. In order to ensure the coverage of maximum area with available water lining of conveyance channel and installation of underground pipeline together with proper land grading is necessary.

            During 2008-09 an area of 14054 hectares was covered under water management works by benefiting 6467 farmers of 1584 villages of the state.  During the year under report laying of underground pipe line was carried out to a length of 187.783 kms benefiting an area of 5481 hectares owned by 2128 farmers of 356 villages of the State. 5364 hectares were brought under additional irrigation by constructing/renovating water harvesting structures, tapping of perennial flow and small lift irrigation projects by benefiting 1407 farmers of 75 villages. In addition 3209 hectares was covered under Drip irrigation benefiting 2932 farmers of 1153 villages

            District wise progress of water management works is given in the following tables :-