Background : Jadgaon community Micro-Watershed Project was launched under APRO-EZE Package-IV in May 1992. The project aimed at improving the physical quality of life of the community through appropriate land and water management. The project planned to achieve it by regeneration of the basis resources, viz, land, water, and people, through soil and water conservation, rainwater harvesting and vocational training. All the major works in the project were completed by September 1997. The following could be achievements during the project period.

1. Rainwater harvesting-Masonry Structures (Weirs) : The construction of 8 check weirs was completed at the total expenses of RS.22,26,680/-. These structures are expected to benefit about 400 ha of 143 farmers, by recharging about 200 wells.

Earthfill Structures : Six earthfill structures (Nalla Bunds) at an expenditure of RS.488,500/- and one percolation tank costing RS.4,35,000/-, were completed by the government. Eleven old nalla bunds were repaired at a cost of RS.134, 642/-.

1. Soil conservation-Gully Plugs : In all 16 gully plugs were completed at an estimated expenditure of RS.51,160/-. Local contribution of RS.9, 760/- was mobilized on this account.

Dry-land Treatment and Management : A total of 850 ha of land has been treated under contour and farm bunding. Similarly plantation was completed on 600 ha of land with plantation of sapling and seedling of grass and thee species on bunds. The total expenditure incurred on this account is RS.14,86,326/-. Similarly, 6 ha of community land in Hivra and 35 ha in Jadgaon have been treated by the government under social Forestry Programme and 70 farmers have brought 70 ha of their private land under dry-land horticulture.

• Vocational Training and Capacity-building : Vocational training was organized for about 135 women on tailoring, knitting. Two women from Hivra were given training on nursery techniques. Similarly, six youth, three from each village, were trained on basic soil and water conservation measures; who are currently working as technical supervisors in the vicinity. One youth was also given a detailed training on supervision of soil and water conservation structures. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Aurangabad has given training for making Soap, Cakes, Neel, Chalks and Candles. A survey has also been carried out for forming DWCRA groups for rural women for initiating income-generating activities in the villages. 

Exposure Visit : Guided Exposure Visit was organized for 53 women from Hivra to Agricultural University to familiarize them with appropriate land-use and crop production techniques and dairy. Its impact is visible in from of some changes in cropping pattern in favour of vegetable-farming. Another exposure trip was organized to a watershed project to demonstrate, inter alia, smokeless chulha and kitchen sanitation.

Crop production technology training : Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Aurangabad has undertaken various training for improved cultivation practices for Check-pea, Maize, Soybean, Cotton, Sericulture. This has helped in changing the cropping pattern and few farmers have taken up sericulture activities and making Nadep and Bermi compost.
 
Veterinary Camp : KVK, Aurangabad has also provided training for Dairy activities. A veterinary camp is also planned for the beneficiaries. This shall in promoting crossbreds cows in the project area.
 

Awareness Camp : During ganesh festival, video film on watershed was screened in both the villages. This has helped the villagers in batter understanding of the soil and water conservation techniques.

1. Institution-building and Promotion : Mahila Mandals have activated in both the villages and are being registered. Sharmdan for cleaning and deepening pf village drain for sanitation has been under taken by the Hivra Mahila Mandal members. it was also observed increase in the community celebration of the festivals, which helped villagers come together on common platform.

Saving and Thrift : A women’s saving groups in Hivra was initiated, wherein 16 members contribute Rs.25/- per month in village Jadgaon there are at present Two saving groups. First group has 17 members contributing Rs.20/- per month. The other group has 111 members each contributing Rs.10/- per month have been recently started.

Village watershed committee : Presently the committee functions for the planning of activity to betaken. It is in the process of registration with the Charity Commissioner. The committee undertakes active participation in solving any village problems either in implantation of the project or otherwise.

Youth Activities : Youth groups have been formed in both villages. The youth groups have initiated village development and games and sports activities. They have launched a village sanitation drive to clean the village environs on Sharmdan. Soakage pits are planned to be installed with local contribution. Similarly, games and sports activity has now because a regular feature in the villages. About 71 youths play regularly Kabaddi, Volleyball and Cricket in both villages out of which 21 youths belong to backward community. The village youths have themselves prepared ground for the sports activity on Shramdan.

Environmental Awareness : The youth groups also organized an environmental awareness rally “Paryavaran” yatra to Rajur in Jalna district to spread the message of watershed development to different villages en route. The youth groups are also involved in stage and drama. Presently preparing a play on social organization and development.  

B. Status of Jadgaon Group-Watershed Project Supported by KFW-NABARD under Indo-German Watershed Development Programme

Background : Jadgaon group watershed project was launched under Indo-German Watershed Development Programme supported by KFW-NABARD in January 1993. The project was sanctioned in two stages, for 220 ha in village Mangrul in January 1993 and for the rest of the area of village Mangrul and entire area of villages Ladgaon and Tongaon in May 1995. The project aimed at improving the physical quality of life of the community through increased land productivity and incomes through regeneration of the basic resources, viz. Land, Water and People. All the major works in the project were completed by September 1997 in village Mangrul and nearly half the works in the other two villages. The main achievements of the project are presented in the following pages.

1. Area Treatment : A total of 1200 ha of land from different slope groups and land use belonging to 144 families has been treated under contour and farm bunding. Similarly, contour trenching and plantation was completed on 200 ha of forest and community land in three villages. The total expenses incurred on this account is Rs.42, 47,623/-.

2. Drainage Line Treatment : Construction of 12 check weirs (8 in Mangrul and 4 in Tongaon) was completed at the cost of Rs.21,40,276/-. Four more structures are planned in village Ladgaon, which would be completed in the coming work season. These structures are expected to benefit about 650 ha of 433 farmers by recharging over 200 wells, thereby increasing the irrigation potential on seasonal basis.

Earthfill Structures : Two earthfill structures (Nalla Bunds) were completed and 21 old Nall Bunds were repaired in Mangrul, similarly, 126 gully plugs and 6 gabions were constructed.