Planting the upland hilly areas with fodder, fruit and drought hardy biomass species and conserving natural regeneration resulted in arresting of soil erosion and serving as carbon sinks. Improved vegetative cover through productive use of hillocks is being developed as horticulture block plantation site and another side of hillock as fodder land leading to nutritional security of villagers as well as livestock along with improved revenue for GPs as harvesting of the fruits.
Greening of hillocks in Antarganga microwatershed was taken up in approximately 10 ha in Anantapur district which is severe drought-hit area. Mean annual precipitation is 550mm. This action has resulted to increase in vegetation cover on the hillock area, with more than 80% survival rate. NREGA in convergence with IWMP greening hillock activity has been taken. Neem, custard apple and woody plant seedlings are planted on the mounds of dug staggered trenches along the slope following the principle of ridge to valley. Before implementing greening of hillocks to improve water resources and soil erosion control, it is important to understand the impacts of vegetation. In watershed programs upstream area/ridge is given priority for waterharvesting structures and vegetation. Studies have proven that often planting trees is associated with increased rate of evapotranspiration. While selecting plants along the trench bunds factors like drought resistivity, economic importance and ecological contribution must be considered while improving ground water and soil moisture. Trenches across the slope functions as drainage line treatment purpose and water harvesting structures.