Revitalization of Rivers in India Draft Policy - Isha Guru Jaggi Vasudev

Revitalization of Rivers In India
Draft Policy Recommendation
ENSURING FARMER LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT
The solution proposed for privately-owned farmland has been
conceived of as a rural livelihood project. Successful implementation of
this farmer livelihood model, and the consequent rapid adoption of the
program by the farmers, would contribute to saving of rivers. This will be
effected by the tree cover on river banks augmenting inflows, and use of
organic farming practices to prevent pollution by agro-chemicals.
The program’s success hinges on ensuring that that the economic
benefit for the farmers is achieved. The crux is that this program needs to be
definitely and effectively delivered to the farmer – and this must be kept in
mind throughout the execution, monitoring and evaluation of the program.
KEY ASSUMPTION IN CREATING A VIABLE LIVELIHOOD MODEL FOR FARMERS:
SIZE OF AVERAGE FARMER LAND-HOLDING ASSUMED
The agricultural census data of 2010-11 shows that the average size
of holdings has steadily declined over the years since 1970-71, with the
2010-11 figure at 1.15 hectares (i.e. 2.47 acres) (Refer Figure 3). Based on
this trend, the model proposed here is for a one-acre parcel of land, which
will be occupying roughly half of the land holding of an average farmer
FIGURE 3:
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