Water resource management practices and their adaptation implications on agriculture in Kumaon hills, Uttarakhand
Student name: Ms Aradhana Jebalia
Guide: Dr Chubamenla Jamir
Year of completion: 2016
Host Organisation: Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Prof N. H. Ravindranath
Abstract: This study assesses the water use management and adaptation practices to climate change in two
villages- Bhagartola and Chamuwa- of Almora district in Uttarakhand, India. Himalayan
populations depend on mostly rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. Climate change and
decreasing water availability has impacted agriculture affecting long-term food security. The
importance of climate-water-agriculture integration in watershed development project
interventions and decision-making is paramount for agricultural systems. Adaptation practices of
the villages were identified and evaluated for comparison. To understand the water use and cropwater
interactions, water use efficiency and water productivity of different Rabi crops were
assessed using stimulated outputs of FAO’s crop-water balance model AquaCrop. Further
statistical analyses using Canonical Correlation Analysis were carried out to comprehend the
relationship between the water use determinants and the farmers’ choice of adaptation practices.
The pre-existing and the current project interventions in the villages were assessed in terms of
the results obtained through the study. Results indicate that Bhagartola, with pre-project
institutional interventions, is more water use efficient and climate adapted than Chamuwa. This
suggests that long-term sustainability of water resources and agriculture is possible through
appropriate interventions of institutions and project facilitators.
Key Words: Water Use Efficiency, Water Productivity, Climate Change Adaptation Practices,
Agriculture, Watershed Development Project
