KICS

is a forum for conversations amongst activists and academics on issues relating to science and democracy.

Conserving Slow Growing trees in a Fast Moving Economy
Observations from an experiment in Karnataka
Speaker: Chitra Krishnan
Date and Time: March 18, 2017, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Venue: CWS Conference Hall,
12-13-438, Street No. 1, Tarnaka, Secunderabad - 500017

 

Why trees need to be conserved is a question with many scientific answers – carbon sequestration, temperature regulation, protection of soil from erosion etc. Where should trees be protected is a question on which scientific attitudes have been changing. Earlier it seemed that having “islands” of protected areas such as forests was enough. Now it is increasing felt that “it is not feasible to protect a few islands rich in biodiversity in the midst of degraded landscapes. The biodiversity-rich islands would be far more secure if a serious attempt is made to create a biodiversity friendly, ecologically restored matrix around them (Gadgil, 1994).” This reasonable argument implies that we need to consider conserving trees (or rather, biodiversity) in and around our villages and cities too.

That brings in the most challenging question, how can trees (and tree diversity) be conserved, given the fast moving economy? Is there a general answer? Can it be left to the local government authorities? Or experts? Or does it require the involvement of a large number of ordinary people? If so, is information and awareness enough to nudge people into conserving trees? Or does it require that we connect with trees – in our everyday lives? How much do popular social attitudes affect conservation?

 

The sharing session will begin with describing some native tree species of semi-arid parts of south India. It will then dwell on an attempt, over a period of about a year, by two small farmers to tackle dwindling tree-cover in their villages in Tumkur District, Karnataka. Their efforts included an intensive tree census, and, subsequent engagement with tree owners, the local community and the Forest Department to conserve existing trees. The risks involved in and the lessons from this attempt have a wider applicability that will be remarked upon. Lastly, a few other attempts in south India at tree conservation will be brought in.


Chitra Krishnan was trained as a civil engineer at IIT Madras following which she worked on water resource issues in rural Kerala before pursuing her Master’s in Environmental Engineering in USA. Her working stints in different rural contexts and an organic farm in the USA influenced her markedly in her research quests. She completed her PhD from IIT Delhi on the traditional irrigation system of South India (tanks and anicuts). Her research publications include “The State and Drought: Villagers’ Experiences” and “Irrigation Infrastructure: The Case of the Tungabhadra River”. She is currently practising dryland horticulture in Tumkur district, Karnataka and is involved in research studies looking at design and implementation issues of green infrastructure.

 

Sharing session is one of the regular activities of Knowledge In Civil Society (KICS) trust. These are organised around contemporary themes relevant to KICS work as an exercise of learning from each other. The objective is to deepen our shared understanding of the theme and to appreciate the key cross linkages, especially in the realm of Science, Technology & Society. You can find a list of previous sharing sessions here.
 


 

Solar Agriculture Feeders: An Attractive Alternative compared to Solar Pumpsets in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh -  A Discussion Paper
Published by Knowledge In Civil Society
with support from
Centre for World Solidarity, Prayas (Energy Group), People’s Monitoring Group for Electricity Regulation, and SWAPNAM

Authors:
Sreekumar N- Trustee (KICS) and Member, Prayas (Energy Group)
M Thimma Reddy– Convenor, People’s Monitoring Group for Electricity Regulation
BN Prabhakar– President, SWAPNAM, an NGO working on water and power related issues

 This discussion paper presents an alternate option for using solar energy for agriculture pumpsets.

Electricity powered agriculture pumpsets is the mainstay for agriculture in Telangana and AP. This area has many challenges for the farmer, Distribution Company and the state government. Farmers invest heavily in well based irrigation, but are unhappy with the poor quality of electricity supply. Distribution Company is unhappy with the low revenue from a large number of consumers spread over a large area. State has to bear the subsidy burden to support low tariff for the farmers.

Solar power offers some hope by way of providing quality electricity supply during the day time, which is convenient to farmer. Distribution Company also finds it attractive since it reduces the burden to allocate generation capacity for agriculture. It is environment friendly and reduces distribution losses, if generation is distributed.

 

There are three possible solar options for agriculture pumping - large centralised solar plants, solar powered agriculture feeders and solar pumpsets. All options need to be encouraged, but prioritised based on the strength and weakness of each option in different circumstances. We feel that for states like Telangana and AP, solar powered agriculture feeder is a more farmer-centric and equitable option. In addition, investment burden on the government is lower, quality of supply is better and maintenance is easier.

 Solar feeder is thus an investment program with good returns, compared to the subsidy driven solar pumpset program. This paper describes the solar feeder option and recommends that a few pilot projects be taken up to assess any fine-tuning aspects, before scaling up.

[Download E-Copy(English)]      [Dowload E-Copy (Telugu)]    

 

 

Just Released.......

What do the beneficiaries of Government schemes make of them? How do they view and engage with these schemes?

Dr. Chitra Krishnan reflects on five different rural development schemes as experienced and written by two villagers from a semi-arid region of Southern Karnataka. What is the actual nature of involvement of beneficiaries? What are the spaces for their engagement with the schemes? What is the outcome of such involvement . How far do other actors influence these outcomes.

In discussing these aspects, Dr Krishnan examines the theme of collective action, when it is needed, when it seems counterproductive and what can be expected out of such action.

Read more: The State & Drought

Organic Farming & Agro-ecological Approaches: Ready-to-replicate Best Practices From Around India
Published by Knowledge In Civil Society
with support from Centre for World Solidarity

Authors:

Kavitha Kuruganti - Trustee (KICS) and Member (ASHA)

Indhubala Kesavan - Intern (KICS) and Student (University of Hyderabad)

This booklet has been created as a policy note on agro-ecological approaches in Indian agriculture, based on good practices and strategies adopted by different policies and programmes for promoting organic farming in India. The booklet dwells on policy and legislative measures that have helped some state governments to take forward a strong agenda of promotion of organic farming.

 

It is hoped that this compilation will be useful as a policy tool with ready-to-replicate ideas and practices to be picked up and implemented by state governments all over the country. It also makes a case for why organic farming is an imperative and not a choice any more, and the various benefits that can be expected from large scale promotion of organic farming. This booklet will also be useful for civil society actors for use in promoting and advocating organic farming in the country.

[Download Ecopy]

 

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