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Khetee – Dryland Regeneration & Community Empowerment Hub in Bihar

Trust T1

Climate Zones: Tropical monsoon.
Regenerative Focus: Regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, community empowerment.

About this land node

Khetee regenerates degraded land in arid Bihar through regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and community empowerment, restoring soil fertility and livelihoods while integrating digital financial inclusion.

Overview

Project Vision: Build a regenerative economy and land restoration network.
Project Purpose: Restore dryland ecosystems and improve livelihoods through regenerative agriculture, community-led reforestation, and inclusive economic models that empower rural families.
Project Title: Khetee
Political Location: Banka District, Bihar, India

Ecology & biodiversity

Biodiversity context: Near Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, part of Bihar’s biodiversity.
Ecological corridors: Links Kaimur to Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
Natural boundaries: Within Ganges River basin and Chandan River catchment.
Ecosystem unity: Tropical monsoon dryland connecting riverine plains, small hills, and agroecosystems, supporting drought-resistant species and farming.

Climate & water

Climate Zones: Tropical monsoon.
Rainfall patterns: Rainy Jun–Sep (~300 mm/month); dry Oct–May.
Average Rainfall: 800–1,200 mm/year
Temperature Extremes: 20°C to 38°C
Average Temperature: 29°C average
Watershed: Ganges River watershed draining to Bay of Bengal.
Nearby water bodies: ≈20 km to Ganges River; ≈10 km to Chandan River

Land & terrain

Elevation & slope: 100–300 m; flat plains ideal for farming.
Landforms: Dry plains and small hills.
Soil Types: Sandy-loam soils low in fertility; revitalized through mulching and biochar.
Soil health: Low organic matter, improving with regenerative farming.
Erosion risk: High erosion risk; mitigated by tree planting and vetiver hedges.
Renewable resource potential: Solar energy, water harvesting, biomass.

People & history

Land Acknowledgements: Honours Santal people’s sustainable practices.
Recent land history: Overgrazing and deforestation now reversed.

Regenerative practice

Regenerative Focus: Regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, community empowerment.
Regenerative Methodologies: Seed balls, biochar, contour planting, community tree nurseries.
Environmental objectives: Enhance biodiversity, restore soils, rehydrate landscapes.
Community objectives: Provide livelihoods, education, gender equity, and digital finance.
Community engagement: Workshops, eco‑tours, training, digital support.
Economic Model: Donations, eco‑tourism, local product sales.

Impact

Expressed Impact: Converted 150 ha, increased biodiversity by 10%, trained 200+ farmers.
Key impact metrics: Ha restored, biodiversity uplift, farmers trained.

Visiting & links

Nearest urban centres: ≈40 km from Bhagalpur.
Website: https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/khetee-india/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities