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Watershed Organization Trust

States- Jharkhand and Telangana

Districts-Mahabubnagar, Kunthi

Jharkhand, known for its lush green forests spread across a dozen river basins, is under severe water stress. Delayed and deficient monsoon rains, cause major damage to the farmers in Jharkhand, leaving them with poor or no yield. Telangana also receives very scarce rainfall, leaving the community to harvest only in one season crop and rest of the year there is seasonal migration in search of jobs in Hyderabad and Mumbai. It is thus important that the communities continue to do farming in the farm lands and generate income through alternative sources of livelihoods. WOTR was established in Maharashtra in 1993, targeting the economically weaker communities living in drought prone and backward areas, thus reducing distress migration.

Axis Bank Foundation has partnered with WOTR to promote farm-based livelihoods (agriculture and livestock), and managing natural resources like water and soil.

Non-farm based activities will also be promoted, enabling additional income generating opportunities. As agriculture and livestock rearing are two primary occupations of the community, various trainings are organized in the areas of climate-smart agriculture management practices, organic farming, and livestock management practices. In addition to this, farmer producer organizations (FPOs) are strengthened with required knowledge on marketing the farm produce through trainings and exposure visits. They are introduced to various local, state and national level markets through which they can start and expand their business in future. In all WOTR projects, women are also significantly involved in the watershed development projects, SHG promotion and micro-finance activities.

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