Maharashtra govt pushes for farm ponds in 14 districts

In less than two months, 60,000 farmers have sought farm ponds.

[related-post]

However, the government has asked the district officials to ensure that farmers in remote villages, reeling under water scarcity in the worst drought hit districts should be mobilised to come forward and seek the benefits of the government project.

Sources in the ministry of water conservation revealed, “There are 14 districts spread across Vidarbha and Marathwada where farmers are worst hit because of recurring drought for the fourth consecutive year. We have been told to launch a special drive to get those farmers who are in need to avail of the scheme.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Farm ponds will be significant for farmers, as creation of permanent assets for holding water would help them reap their fields next seasons even if there is poor rainfall.”

He added, “Even four to five days rain can help in water storage in the farm ponds.”

The government has indicated that it would provide adequate finances for the project.

Government directives have gone to the district officials to lay special emphasis on farmers in areas where suicides related to farm crisis are higher.

It has been conveyed that in Vidarbha, more emphasis should be on districts of Yavatmal, Amravati, Akola and Nagpur.

In Marathwada region the three districts identified are Latur, Beed and Osmanabad, among the worst hit by water crisis.

However, the government has indicated that farmers from any region can make an online application for farm ponds. It would be considered and processed, and financial help extended.

The scheme entails the farmer who seeks the farm pond to provide land in his own field for the purpose.

To ensure farm ponds are a success, farmers have been asked to seek the help of the local administration to scientifically get the location within their fields surveyed so that the farm ponds conforms to technical parameters essential for holding water.