The Hindu Business Line : JSW's integrated farming project in Bellary

ABOUT 16 farmers in Sandur taluka of Bellary district in Karnataka have been drawn into an integrated farming project undertaken by the JSW Foundation.

The main objective of the project is to create awareness of the existing knowledge about farming, said Mr R.G. Kulkarni, Project Co-ordinator, JSW Foundation.

The project, which has commenced with this monsoon season, would focus on rainwater harvesting and tree-based integrated farming. "We would like to link up with other organisations which are into projects like these," he said.

The decision to take up an integrated farming project in the district of Bellary stemmed from the fact that it is a drought prone area. "In the last 10 years Bellary has had at least 6-7 years of drought. There is a drinking water scarcity and agriculture has taken a backstage," he said. Agriculture is no longer possible, besides mining has had serious implication affecting livelihood, and environment.

Traditionally, the district had sufficient water and the natural vegetation was dense. But over the years, denudation has resulted in the lowering of the water table and soil becoming dry, Mr Kulkarni said.

JSW Foundation carried out a livelihood story in the vicinity of Vijayanagar in partnership with BASIX of Hyderabad, a micro-finance institution. The Basix study has focused on irrigated agriculture.

"Our effort is towards creating awareness and revive age old agriculture practices and also focus on dryland agriculture, which is challenging," Mr Kulkarni said. The study had identified crop such as maize, chillies and cotton for cultivation. However, the main focus of the project would be to take up an integrated approach to agriculture.

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