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Agriculture & Animal Husbandry

Resilient Agricultural Practices

Khadin (Farming Dyke)

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
Key Features and Functionality:
  • 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
Ecological and Community Benefits:
  • 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
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”
Results:
  • Better-fed and healthier livestock.
  • Villages now produce and maintain fodder reserves, enhancing resilience during droughts.
Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry
Animal Husbandry
Karunalya Foundation Karunalya Foundation