Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
Resilient Agricultural Practices
- Khadin (Farming Dyke)
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A Khadin is an innovative traditional water conservation system used in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan to support agriculture in arid conditions. This technique involves constructing a three-sided earthen embankment across a sloped valley to trap rainwater flowing from higher ground during the monsoon season.
Trees and other vegetation over the khadin bund - Rainwater from the slope collects in the Khadin, forming a temporary perched water table. This moisture gradually infiltrates the soil, allowing crops such as wheat, chickpea, and rapeseed to grow without irrigation during winter.
- Fine sediments deposited by water enrich the soil with nutrients and organic matter, making it more fertile than surrounding desert areas.
- Single or double-sided spillways prevent waterlogging by directing surplus water out of the Khadin. These are designed based on the slope and size of the catchment area.
A Khadin with spillway - Khadins support sustainable farming by improving soil health, conserving water, and fostering natural vegetation, creating a green oasis in the desert. They enhance food security, rural livelihoods, and resilience to climate change, while reducing dependence on chemical inputs and fossil fuels. This time-tested practice remains a crucial example of community-driven, eco-friendly agricultural innovation.
- Livestock Management
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Livestock is a lifeline for Thar communities. Our interventions focus on:
- Training local youth in modern and traditional veterinary practices, enabling them to administer vaccinations and basic treatments.
- Promoting awareness of livestock nutrition and care, emphasizing proper fodder storage and water access.
- Introducing high-yield breeds like Thar parkar cattle to boost productivity and income.
Man is happy with his healthy baby sheep “lamb” - Better-fed and healthier livestock.
- Villages now produce and maintain fodder reserves, enhancing resilience during droughts.
Animal Husbandry Animal Husbandry Animal Husbandry Animal Husbandry

