Homestead gardening
The indigenous knowledge of the local population regarding environmentally friendly land
management needs to be encouraged. In the Barind Tract, tree species such mango,
mahogany and jackfruit are being grown in uplands (chalas) around homestead, and are
some times used for growing vegetables. The lowlands (baid) are generally used for growing
paddy. This practice increases moisture retention, improves soil fertility and crop yield and
reduces surface runoff , thus halting soil erosion.
Home garden systems in drought prone areas provide healthy ecosystem for humans,
animals, birds, livestock and miscellaneous flora and fauna. Homestead bamboos are also
planted because these develop rapidly and are good soil binders. Use of homestead litter, ash
supplements and organic matter in the soil keeps insects away. Homestead gardening helps
produce vegetables for household requirements and sometimes for external marketing.
Women are engaged in homestead gardening as an income diversification activity. As the
rainfed Barind Tract is mostly dominated by rice during kharif II season, integration of
homestead gardening within the household system provides varied nutrients and thus helps
to ensure household nutrient security. Practicing homestead gardening in drought-prone
areas helps integrate gender concerns within the climate change adaptation framework.