2 weeks ago
Farm Ponds Offer Lifeline to Telangana Farmers Amid Rainfall Deficit
Farmers in Telangana are not getting enough rain this year, which makes it hard to grow their crops.
To help, the government is building small ponds on farms that collect rainwater.
When there is a dry spell, farmers can use this saved water to keep their plants alive.
These ponds are called farm ponds, and they are very helpful for small farmers who cannot afford expensive pumps or wells.
The ponds also give work to local people who help dig them.
A small pond costs about 1.78 lakh rupees and gives work to 40 labourers for 10 days.
The state has already started building thousands of these ponds.
Scientists say there is a very high chance of even drier weather coming, so the ponds are extra important.
The government is also suggesting other ideas like growing crops that need less water and using drip irrigation.
This way, farmers can protect their vegetables, pulses and other crops even when rain is scarce.
Farm ponds are providing protective irrigation to Telangana farmers during a Kharif season hit by deficient rainfall and delayed sowing.
Telangana received 41 cm of rainfall against the normal 44.5 cm till mid-August, an overall deficit of about 8 per cent, with 12 districts facing the highest deficit.
INCOIS puts the likelihood of El Nino conditions at 98 per cent from August onwards up to March next year.
A 15m x 15m farm pond costs Rs.1,78,384, providing 406 person-days of work, with 40 labourers working for 10 days.
Against a broader state target of 50,000 ponds, 3,173 works had been grounded, providing employment to 12,619 wage seekers.
The scheme gives preference to SC, ST, women and small and marginal farmers, who often lack dependable irrigation.
- Who
- Telangana farmers, especially small and marginal farmers, along with the Agriculture department and rural employment guarantee officials.
- What
- Farm ponds are being used as a vital source of protective irrigation during a Kharif season affected by deficient rainfall and delayed sowing.
- Where
- Telangana state, India, including districts such as Khammam, Adilabad, Medak, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Narayanpet, Jayashankar Bhupalapally and Nirmal.
- When
- Ongoing Kharif season, with rainfall data reported as of mid-August.
- Why
- Deficient rainfall and drought-like conditions have threatened crops, and farm ponds store rainwater for critical irrigations during dry spells.
Key facts
- Rainfall deficit
- About 8 per cent; 41 cm received against normal 44.5 cm till mid-August
- Districts with highest deficit
- 12 districts
- El Nino probability
- 98 per cent from August onwards up to March next year (INCOIS)
- Cost of a 15m x 15m pond
- Rs.1,78,384 (Rs.1,25,136 labour, Rs.53,248 materials)
- Employment per pond
- 406 person-days; 40 labourers for 10 days
- State target
- 50,000 ponds; 3,173 works grounded, 12,619 wage seekers employed
- Sites identified under VB-G RAM G and Telangana Jalasiri
- 4,348 of 13,046 target ponds by July 30; nearly 9,930 wage seekers
- Funding
- Convergence of Central and state schemes, mainly rural employment guarantee programme; also PMKSY watershed and MIDH











