Centre for Applied Research & Extension

APFAMGS project aimed to contribute to the larger development objective stated as below;
“The Stage is set for enabling the farmers to manage their ground water systems in about 650 villages in seven drought prone districts of Andhra Pradesh by the year 2008”

Community based Institutions established for alternative management of ground water resources with equal representation/participation of men and women covering about 650 habitations by the year 2008

After launching the APFAMGS Project, CARE focused mainly on basin identification preparatory activities. 3 Hydrological Units (HUs) viz., Chandra Sagar, Mallappa vagu and manda vagu were identified, covering a total area of about 44097ha, were identified. Reconnaissance was completed at all 60 target habitations, resulting in further refined delineation of HU boundaries. Opinion leaders of all 60 habitations were consulted and oriented on objectives and activities of the project. 15 Kalajatha shows were organized to reach the community at large at all the 60 target habitations. As part of establishing a base line, first activity of base-line inventory, Participatory Resource Mapping (PRM) was carried out at all the 60 target habitations. Well Inventory was completed at 60 out of 60 habitations.

After conducting the Opinion Leaders meeting, Gramsabha and Kalajatha, it was observed that confidence was built up in the community about the project activities. Technically feasible sites were found at 19 places, against the target of 20 for establishing rain gauge stations. Construction of rain gauge stations was completed at all those 19 sites. At 1 site, rain gauge stations already existed, constructed under other schemes. In such cases, CARE identified volunteers to collect data after minimum repairs. At all habitations where the project established rain gauge stations, farmers donated land for that purpose.

After Well Inventory and PRM Exercise, CARE came to know the spatial distribution and technical details of water resources including wells in Manda vagu HU. Working with the resource map and hydrological data (collected during the well inventory), CARE short-listed wells that were suitable for conversion as observation wells. The target for selection of observation wells was 180. Out of the 60 target habitations, it was found that only hand pumps existed at 10 habitations. After social feasibility exercise, CARE established 180 observations wells against the target 180.

CARE identified 10 mechanics for lowering of HDPE pipes and making discharge provisions in observation wells. A successful and innovative technology was developed in the process, dealing with conversion of hand pumps into observation wells, appreciated by project authorities.

As part of base line inventory, basic date was collected on crops grown, soils, irrigation management practices, water savings techniques, organic farming practices, pest management practices, investments and returns, ground water and its utilization, using prescribed data collection formats.

Under agriculture component, organic farming was promoted through vermicompost. Three farmers, from three habitations, showed interest in the activity, slated to start in December 2005.

CARE received 60 copies of Annadata magazines of the month of March and distributed 59 copies to farmers and one copy kept at office. Farmers felt that the magazine was useful for updating their knowledge. At some villages, magazines were kept in Gram Ikya Sangam, where women could also access them.

Data for Agronomical Assessment was collected from all 60 habitations, in 3 HUs, which was being consolidated, which would be used for compilation of Base Document.

During the summer of 2005, most of the bore wells either dried up or decreased their yields. CARE motivated the farmers for usage of Drip and Sprinklers and conducted awareness meetings on Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (APMIP) and encouraged them to make use of 66% Subsidy, available on micro irrigation units.

Gender Assessment Surveys were completed at all 60 habitations. Gender Sensitization trainings were organized in two HUs. In the regular women meetings the project concept and importance of water with reference to role of women was discussed at length. All members of staff were oriented on concepts and practices of Gender equity by Gender Facilitator (GF) on 28-3-05, at Achampet Field Office of CARE. Strategies were evolved in the orientation meeting to tackle the gender issue from political, caste, time, workload, social problems, shyness and lack of interest angles.

CARE later organized women meetings and House to house visits, apart from conducting orientation sessions, specifically for women at all project habitations, to familiarize them with concept and activities of APFAMGS Project.

CARE observed World Food Day on 16 October 2007, focusing on traditional food crops and Nutritional Values. Discussions were held at habitation level with the farming community about old food habits and community health. Growing of traditional food crops are Arikelu, Samelu, Korralu, Sadda, Jonna, Ragi, Konda Korra, Nallasamalu etc., was emphasized during those discussions. Sprouted seeds were distributed in the villages and their nutritional values discussed. CARE also distributed kitchen gardening kits to women for growing vegetables in their backyards.

World Water Day was celebrated on 22nd March 2008, at CARE office Achampet. 82 men and women farmers participated in the programme and expressed their views on the Importance of the day. Project staff spoke on the importance of water availability and scarcity all over the world. Elocution competition was held on the occasion and winning farmers were given prizes.

Farmers' managed groundwater system Girl child labor education Reproductive child health Services to individuals & agencies

Farmers' managed groundwater system

Girl child labor education

Reproductive child health

Services to individuals & agencies