This is a World Bank adided project being implemented by Uttar Pradesh Bhumi Sudhar Nigam (UPBSN) which is a corporation running under Govt. of UP (India).

     UPBSN was established in 1978 with an objective to preserve soil health and increase productivity of land resources in a sustainable manner.

     UPBSN has expertise in sodic lands reclamation and is implementing the World Bank and EEC funded projects since 1993.

     Presently, UPBSN is implementing UPSLRIIIP (2009-2017) in 29 districts of Uttar Pradesh to reclaim 1.30 lacs ha of sodic lands.

     A pilot project for reclaiming 5,000 ha of Ravine lands is also being implemented with the World Bank support under UPSLRIIIP.

     Sustainable reclamation of sodic lands with increased productivity and cropping intensity in selected districts.

     Overall thrust of the project will be on small and marginal farmers.

     Ensuring involvement and active participation of farmers in reclamation and management of sodic soils.

     Improving the capacity of extension functionaries and beneficiaries in different aspects of package of sodic lands reclamation technology.

     Generation of employment opportunities in selected area, and thereby reducing out migration, and Improvement of soil quality.

    Expected output/outcomes:

    130,000 ha sodic area reclaimed in selected districts.

    Increase in cropping intensity to about 200%

    Increase in productivity of rice and wheat

    Increase in households income due to increase in farm income

    Increased community participation

    Implementation Methodology

    Social mobilization is vital part of this project. Motivation awareness campaigns are organized to facilitate community led micro planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation by forming various community groups.

    Project is being implemented on participatory approach which also ensures transparency in the project.

    Sodic area having pH value > 8.5 and ground water table between 2 to 10 meters is selected for reclamation purposes.

    Improve drainage Network ( Field Drain, Link Drain, Main Drain) and creation of Irrigation facilities are ensured for proper land reclamation.

    Based on soil test reports gypsum is used as soil amendment which reclaims the land physically and chemically.

    After soil treatment crop rotation of paddy, wheat and green manuring crop rotation is being used for at least two successive years.

    Salt tolerant varieties of seeds are used to improve the efficiency of reclamation.

    In order to enrich soil with organic content farmers are trained and demonstrated to harvest paddy crop leaving 6-7 inches of crop stubbles in the field.

    Other Important Features of the Project

    Agriculture demonstrations are being organised to disseminate the latest innovations in agricultural practices.

    Animal Health Camps and Cattle Breed Improvement activities are being implemented in project areas for better livestock management.

    Goat development activities are being promoted for increase the household income.

    Women Empowerment activities through formation of Women Self Help Groups has been taken and are being linked with income generating activities through proper training of suitable trades of their interests.

    Formation of Producer Organisations in project areas by motivating and encouraging the farmers to federate as cluster level producer organizations(PO). PO is envisaged as commercial enterprise for input and output marketing and other agri-business related activities.

    To encourage cluster level organizations (POS) to become a legal entity either as Society or a Company and get them registered as Producer Companies.

    To improve the rural market infrastructure through construction of Sodic Hatts has been taken up.