SLRD Field Intervention
Rajasthan
Dryland climate resilience, invasive biomass management, biochar, agroforestry, aromatic herbs, watershed development and rural enterprise.
SLRD’s work in Rajasthan focuses on climate resilient rural development suited to dry and semi arid regions. The interventions address soil degradation, water stress, invasive biomass, limited livelihood opportunities and climate vulnerability.
The Rajasthan model is being developed around locations such as Salumber and surrounding areas, with a focus on invasive biomass management, biochar, agroforestry, aromatic herbs cultivation, composting, watershed development, soil regeneration and rural enterprise development.
Invasive Biomass Management
SLRD promotes the productive use of invasive and unwanted biomass through biochar and composting systems. This helps reduce pressure on landscapes and creates useful soil inputs.
Agroforestry for Dryland Regions
Agroforestry models using locally suitable species are promoted to improve land productivity, support biodiversity, provide biomass and create livelihood assets.
Biochar for Soil Health and Carbon Removal
Biochar can improve soil structure, nutrient holding capacity and water retention. In dry regions, biochar based amendments can support climate resilient farming.
Soil Regeneration
Compost and biochar based soil amendments can help restore fertility, improve crop productivity and reduce chemical input dependency.
Watershed and Water Conservation
Water conservation is central to rural resilience in Rajasthan. SLRD integrates soil moisture conservation, water harvesting, watershed treatment and landscape restoration.
Aromatic Herbs Cultivation
Aromatic herbs cultivation can be promoted in suitable dryland and semi arid conditions of Rajasthan as a climate resilient livelihood activity. Crops such as lemongrass, vetiver, palmarosa, tulsi, rosemary and other locally suitable aromatic species can support farm income diversification and essential oil based enterprises.
Essential Oil and Rural Enterprise Development
Aromatic herbs can be linked with essential oil distillation and value addition units. These enterprises can provide income to farmers and create local employment opportunities.
Community Livelihoods
Local employment can be created through aromatic herbs cultivation, biomass collection, nursery raising, plantation work, composting, biochar production, processing and enterprise management.
Carbon Project Development
The Rajasthan model has potential for carbon benefits through biochar, agroforestry, aromatic herbs cultivation, soil carbon improvement and restoration of degraded landscapes.
Expected Outcomes in Rajasthan
| Area | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Soil health | Improved fertility and moisture retention |
| Water resilience | Better watershed based water conservation |
| Livelihoods | Income through aromatic herbs, biomass, plantations and biochar enterprises |
| Climate action | Carbon removal and carbon sequestration |
| Degraded land | Restoration of stressed landscapes |
| Biodiversity | Promotion of locally suitable species |
| Rural enterprise | Local employment through herbs, essential oils, compost and biochar |