Introduction:
Water is the lifeline of agriculture, and in India—where a significant portion of farming is rain-fed—its availability often determines the success or failure of crops. To address this issue and promote sustainable water management, the Government of India and several state governments have introduced the Farm Pond Scheme. This initiative supports the construction of small water harvesting structures—called farm ponds—on agricultural land to store rainwater and provide irrigation during dry spells. The scheme has emerged as a crucial component of efforts to ensure agricultural resilience, especially for small and marginal farmers.
Objectives of the Farm Pond Scheme
The primary objective of the Farm Pond Scheme is to conserve rainwater at the farm level, thereby improving water availability for irrigation, reducing dependency on erratic monsoon rains, and minimizing the risk of crop failure. The scheme also aims to enhance groundwater recharge, prevent soil erosion, and increase crop productivity and farmers’ income.
By creating a decentralized water storage system, the scheme contributes to climate change adaptation and encourages the adoption of micro-irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems, which further improve water-use efficiency.
Implementation of the Scheme
Under the Farm Pond Scheme, eligible farmers are provided financial assistance or subsidies to construct a pond on their land. The scheme is implemented through various government programs such as:
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
- State-specific schemes like Maharashtra’s “Magel Tyala Shet Tale” or Telangana’s “Mission Kakatiya”
The typical size of a farm pond varies depending on land availability and agro-climatic conditions. A standard pond may be about 20 x 20 x 3 meters in dimension and can store thousands of liters of water. In many regions, the government provides up to 100% subsidy for farmers from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or economically weaker sections, while others may receive 50-75% subsidy.
The ponds can be lined with plastic sheets (geomembranes) to reduce water seepage, especially in sandy or porous soils. In areas with high rainfall, farm ponds can be a major source of irrigation throughout the year.
Benefits of Farm Ponds
The impact of farm ponds has been overwhelmingly positive in regions where they have been successfully implemented:
- Improved Irrigation: Stored water allows for the irrigation of crops during dry periods, leading to better yields and multiple cropping seasons.
- Reduced Crop Failure: By reducing dependency on unpredictable monsoon rains, farm ponds help prevent crop loss due to drought.
- Increased Income: Higher productivity and the ability to grow high-value crops have translated into better incomes for farmers.
- Groundwater Recharge: Ponds help recharge the groundwater table, which is crucial in areas facing groundwater depletion.
- Livelihood Diversification: Some farmers use farm ponds for fish farming or animal rearing, adding additional income sources.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its benefits, the Farm Pond Scheme faces several challenges:
- Lack of Awareness: Many farmers, especially in remote areas, are unaware of the scheme or do not know how to apply for assistance.
- Implementation Delays: Bureaucratic delays and corruption can hamper timely implementation.
- Maintenance Issues: Without proper training, some farmers struggle to maintain the pond, leading to sedimentation or leakage.
- Inequity: In some regions, wealthier farmers with more land benefit disproportionately from the scheme.
Conclusion
The Farm Pond Scheme is a promising initiative that addresses one of the most pressing issues in Indian agriculture—water scarcity. When effectively implemented and supported with training and awareness programs, it has the potential to transform rural livelihoods and ensure sustainable farming practices. With greater outreach, efficient monitoring, and community participation, the scheme can become a cornerstone of India’s strategy to build a climate-resilient agricultural economy.
