Program Interventions

Tribal Rehabilitation through development of orchards, popularly known as wadi, on degraded lands owned by the poor tribal families was launched in Vansda block of Valsad in Gujarat in 1982. The participants are assisted to develop 0.4 ha orchards with fruit species of their choice. Fodder and fuel species are established on field bunds and the inter space is used for cultivating food crops. Women are active partners, and a special component of drudgery reduction and capacity building is also introduced.

Wadi is the agri-horti-forestry program for rehabilitation of tribal families, and is implemented in almost all the regions of MITTRA except some parts of Western Maharashtra. Eco friendly farming practices such as organic farming, vermicomposting, use of biofertilisers and biopesticides are promoted through awareness, training and input supply.

Aims and Objective:

The main objectives of the Wadi programme are food security and poverty alleviation through development of wastelands.
It aims at providing substantial and sustainable income, regeneration of available natural resources, checking migration and providing employment throughout the year.
The Improved Agriculture activity aims at improving crop yields by way of introduction of cultivation practices, improved seeds, using organic fertilizers like Vermicompost, vermiwash for improving the quality of soil and minimizes the cost of agricultural inputs

Approach:

Wadi program helps improve the productivity of small land holding area of the participant family. Tree-based farming with preference for drought tolerant fruit species is being promoted to improve the productivity and employment potentials of degraded lands.

There is an emphasis, through the programs on adoption of improved agricultures activities to achieve food availability round the year. These include practices like use of improved seeds, use of organic fertilisers and pesticides, integrated pest and nutrient management practices, etc.

The use of improved agricultural practices also helps achieve another important out come. Through such practices the money required to purchase food grains can now be saved to improve quality of life. Citing the growing demand for organic fertilizers, which is seen as a changing trend, vermiculture activity is promoted. The vermicompost obtained is being used for vegetable growing and for fruit plants in Wadis.

Tree based farming (Wadi) Program: Achievements

SN	Particulars	Wadis		Districts	Talukas	Villages	Participant families
		Number	Acres
1	During 2011-12	4703	4703	15	24	471	4703
2	Since inception	94598	92044.5	19	91	3173	94598

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