ECONOMICS OF SOIL CONSERVATION IN MACHHAKUND-SILERU CATCHMENT AREA OF ODISHA

Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Mishra

Mean Sea Level (MSL). Soil Conservation, Soil Erosion, Hydro Electric Projects, Ecological Balance, Soil Conservation Programmes, Watershed Programme, Tribal people,

There is a coherent and internal relationship between soil and all living organism on the earth. Soil and water act as mechanical and organic units in all respect in the life of all living creature.So,Survival rests on the top soil which is known as life supporting due to the productiveness of this layer. Koraput and Malkangiri are the southern most districts of Odisha. Both the districts are located in south Eastern most Ghat mountain range. Some parts of the area occur at 150-1000 meters above the Mean Sea Level (MSL). The rigion is characterized by scatted, isolated, sharp and some series hills with forest cover.The evidences of soil erosion and degradation in this region shows a cause of multipurpose reservoirs in Machhakund-Sileru catchment area.. Gullies and ravines are steadily encroaching into productive table land of many major command areas Excessive deforestation, overgrazing, faulty agricultural practice and the industrialization is the causes of erosion. Factors like climate (temperature, rainfall and wind), vegetation, topography (degree and lengrh of slope) and soil type (infiltration, permeability, soil depth, particle size) ultimately refers to its erosivity. The paper includes the analytical framework of soil economics with four objectives, which based on firstlt,to appriciate hydro-electric projects and its Potential located in Machhakund-Sileru catchment area. Secondly,to know the entire soil profile of Koraput and Malkangiri districts which come under Machhakund-Sileru catchment area of Odisha.Thirdly,to focus various watershed and sub-watershed projects established in the Machhakund-Sileru catchment area and fourthly,to find ecological balance with tribal gain due to the implementation soil conservation programmes by the department. Soil conservation activities are undertaken various agro-economical and socio-economic measures. The central government has launched many policies, Programmes to protect the soil erosion and to increase the productivity in the region. Various approaches like watershed management, promoting farm crops (cashew, mango, sisal, etc.) have been an effective tool for rural transformation and natural resource management. Watershed project is a useful technique for soil conservation process. The benefits of watershed are based on afforestation, gully control, conserve fertile top soil and percolating and run off recycling with ground water recharge.

Volume 6 Issue 1, February-2018

Pages : 1501 - 1508