To strengthen agroforestry plantations in drought-prone Ananthapuramu district, HANDS, with support from Say Trees Environmental Trust – Bangalore, implemented a Silt Lifting and Application initiative at Reddypalli village, Peddapappur Mandal during April–May 2025.
As part of the Agroforestry Carbon Program, nutrient-rich silt was lifted from the Chagallu Reservoir and applied to 27.5 acres of agroforestry lands belonging to 11 farmers. This intervention aimed to improve soil fertility, moisture retention, and tree survival, while simultaneously enhancing the water-holding capacity of the local reservoir.
A total of 550 tractor loads of silt were applied through a shared-cost model, promoting strong farmer participation and ownership. The activity resulted in visible improvement in soil structure, better sapling growth, and partial restoration of the reservoir’s storage capacity, supporting groundwater recharge and irrigation needs.
The initiative reflects HANDS’ commitment to climate-resilient agriculture, revival of traditional soil and water conservation practices, and community-driven ecological restoration. Encouraged by the positive outcomes, the program plans to replicate this model in other suitable agroforestry locations across the district.