The Hindu Business Line : Maharashtra plans policy for farm ponds

Combating dry season
Groundwork for the project was started in August 2008
Till date about Rs 100 crore have been spent on the project
Funds are being directly reimbursed to the farmers

Rahul Wadke

Mumbai, April 16 In order to increase water availability for agriculture especially during the dry season, the Maharashtra Government plans to create a policy for farm ponds.

The policy is being made as the current Centre-sponsored project for creation of ponds has received excellent response.

A senior Maharashtra Government official told Business Line that the ponds are essential for farming as it recharges groundwater and works as a captive source of water for the farm. The current project for creating about 38,000 ponds in 21 districts of the State has been well received by farmers.

The official said that Rs 200-crore project was launched in monsoon deficient region of Vidarbha, Marathwada and some areas of Northern Maharashtra in January and already about 25,000 ponds have been built. The Union Ministry of Agriculture under the Rajiv Gandhi Krishi Vikas Yojana has sanctioned the funds.

Groundwork for the project was started in August 2008 and, however, the actual construction work started in the new year when harvesting season was complete. Director of Soil Conservation is supervising the project. Till date about Rs 100 crore have been spent on the project.

The official said that funds required for the ponds are being directly reimbursed to the farmers without any third party mediation. The State Government has specified three sizes for the ponds, which cost between Rs 25,000 and Rs 60,000. The farmer himself has to build the pond and cost is reimbursed by the State Government directly. Average cost of the pond works out to about Rs 50,000.

The ponds would also be especially useful during erratic monsoon season. One pond can irrigate about four hectares of crop land.

The official added that since the farmers are building the ponds, siphoning of the money by the contractors has been curtailed.