Use of indigenous soil and water conservation practices among farmers in Sikkim Himalaya

Abstract

This paper analyses indigenous soil and water conservation practices in a watershed of Sikkim Himalaya based on information collected through a questionnaire survey. Information used in the analysis were obtained through a survey of 150 farmers in 3 ecological zones (low, mid and high), group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observation conducted during 2009-10. Farmers have adopted several conservation practices passed on to them by their forefathers. Farmers in all ecological zones have practiced several structural and biological land management practices to conserve soil and water. Adoption of terrace cultivation, construction of retention walls, bunds, construction and maintenance of waterways, mixed cropping, crop rotation, mulching, agroforestry, and use of farm yard manure are found significantly higher in all ecological zones of the watershed. This indicates that the farmers have very high belief in indigenous techniques of conservation. Findings are discussed in the context of conservation programmes within the watershed. The findings of this study have important policy implications for sustainable land management in the region.