Application Technologies for Harvested Rainwater in Farm Ponds Proceedings of National Consultation Meeting 19-20 March, 2012

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting in farm ponds for supplemental irrigation is an important strategy for stabilizing yields of rainfed crops. Farm ponds are promoted in the integrated watershed programmes and under MGNREGS as a drought proofing strategy. More recently, farm ponds are integrated with micro-irrigation programmes under the National Horticulture Mission, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. With continued over-exploitation of groundwater, it is important to use surface water harvested as surplus runoff in dug out ponds, either as stand alone resource or in conjunction with groundwater for enhancing water productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Dug out ponds both as community structures and on individual holdings is a key intervention in most land and water conservation programmes. The water stored in farm ponds is relatively small and seasonal. Due to runoff from cultivated fields, the water contains lot of sediment posing problems for micro-irrigation systems. Operational research by CRIDA found large number of dug out structures are created across the country under MGNREGS, but in very few cases the water is actually being used for supplemental irrigation during dry spells. This is mainly due to lack of appropriate lifting devices which can be used in remote areas where electric power is not available. Earlier research in AICRPDA network on ponds focused on optimizing the size, lining and choice of crops for highest returns. Several lessons are learnt on using pond water on farmers’ fields in Component – III projects of NAIP across the country. Many options for lifting water from the ponds viz., pedal/ cycle powered pumps, low capacity diesel / electric motors are being used. Different conveyance systems like sub-surface drips, sprinklers and rain guns are being used to apply the water from the ponds. However, so far low lift pumps have not been properly standardized in terms of power source and capacity. Similarly, the ideal conveyance mechanism from pond water has not been standardized particularly in terms of efficiency of water distribution in the field and overcoming the problems of sediments clogging the micro-irrigation systems. The Planning Commission in the XII Plan strategy has highlighted the importance of rainwater harvesting and supplemental irrigation as a key strategy for climate resilient agriculture. The Rainfed Area Development Programme (RADP) of Ministry of Agriculture also promoted ponds as a key component of IFS. Therefore, there is a need to bridge critical gaps in farm pond technology in terms of water lifting and conveyance. Considering these issues, a two-day national consultation was organized at CRIDA, Hyderabad during 19-20 March, 2012 with the objective to take stock of all the available knowledge on the above subject and come out with a standard methodology which can be recommended for the development schemes.