From water-scarcity to abundance: Pond creates opportunities for green livelihoods

Water shortage has been a recurrent concern in the Chandni region, drastically affecting agricultural production and curtailing farm output. Farmers are restricted to producing just one crop each year due to a lack of reliable water sources, which has a substantial impact on their livelihoods.

AKAH recognized farmers’ concerns due to water shortage and initiated an intervention to construct farm ponds. These ponds were created to solve the limits of rain-fed agriculture by increasing the water supply for irrigation. Farmers like Abhishek Jadav saw a considerable boost in agricultural output as a result of AKAH’s activities, which included the creation of farm ponds. As a result of the intervention, cotton output varied from 3 to 5 quintals per acre under regular rain-fed circumstances. However, the development of agricultural ponds boosted water availability, resulting in a significant increase in cotton yield to 7 to 8 quintals per acre.  During interactions, Abhishek expressed tremendous delight with the farm pond construction’s significant gains in production and cultivation area. The pond not only provides water for his farm, but it also recharges surrounding wells, helping the entire town. Due to a lack of irrigation alternatives, Abhishek and his family could only farm half of their 10-acre field previously. The installation of the farm pond, on the other hand, has allowed them to develop an extra 3 acres of land, boosting their agricultural activity and potential.

The effectiveness of this farm pond intervention exemplifies how sustainable water management solutions may overcome water shortage concerns, modify agricultural practices, and improve farmers’ livelihoods in Chandni. Communities can maximize their full agricultural potential and survive in these times of climate danger by constructing accessible and dependable water structures. By providing local communities more authority over water structures, we can ensure a more secure future.