The document discusses indigenous techniques of soil and water conservation in North Eastern India, highlighting practices like bamboo drip irrigation, the zabo system of farming, and paddy-cum-fish culture. These methods are designed to combat soil erosion and optimize water use in the region's hilly terrain. While these techniques have various benefits, such as improved soil fertility and reduced erosion, they require careful water management.

1. SOILAND WATER CONSERVATION
ENGINEERING (1+1)
INDIGENOUS TECHNIQUES OF SOIL
AND WATER CONSERVATION IN NORTH
EASTERN INDIA
BY TO
BASKAR S Dr.P.JANARTHANAN
BATCH-`A` Asst.Professor
CB.AG.U4AGR19018 AGRONOMY

2. INTRODUCTION
 North eastern region of India comprises
of seven sister states.
 Traditionally, these region people practised
‘Shifting cultivation’ for food production
which leads to soil erosion.
•

3.  Eventhough, these region people are practising several
indigenous soil and water conserving practices till now.
 Some indigenous practices are
1. Bamboo drip irrigation system
2. Zabo system of farming
3. Paddy-cum-fish culture
 These indigenous techniques are especially followed for
soil and water conservation in sloppy region.

4. BAMBOO DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM
 This system is first introduced in
‘Meghalaya’ state of India.
 This technique is discovered for
application of water on hilly slopes for
plantation crops (Areca nut) and
integrated crop ( Betel vine & Pepper).
 In this system, water from natural at
higher elevation is diverted to crops at
the lower side of slope through bamboo
channels ( primary, secondary & tertiary
channels).

5.  Due to several diversions,
amount of water (25
litres/min) get reduced
which trickles drop by drop
at the base of plant through
holes or bamboo strips
(diversion).

7. ZABO SYSTEM OF FARMING
 The word “Zabo” means impounding of water.
 Zabo system is a combination of forestry, animal husbandry
and agriculture.
 This system has protected forest land towards the top of hill,
water harvesting tanks in middle and cattle yard and paddy
field at lower side.
 The forest land at top prevents soil erosion and tanks in
middle conserves water for farming in which paddy husk on
bunds and puddling is done for seepage control.

8.  Water from the tank is directed to cattle enclosure where water
mix with the excretes of cattle.
 Then, the water is irrigated for paddy which improves soil
fertility and crop productivity.

10. PADDY FISH CULTURE
In this technique, a small pit is dug ( connected to
different types of channels) in the middle of paddy field
and fish fingerlings are put in the field.

11. BENEFITS:
1. Best weed and pest management technique
2. Improves soil fertility
3. Reduces soil erosion
4. Provides double income to farmers.
DRAWBACK:
Water should be maintained
continuously.

12. REFERENCES
 https://www.tucson.ars.ag.gov/isco/isco12/volumeiii/indigenous
techniquesofsoil.pdf
 https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/zabo-art-impounding-
water
 http://agropedia.iitk.ac.in/content/paddy-cum-fish-culture
 https://brainly.in