Water Harvesting-Farm Pond as Source of Income and Livelihood Security for Rainfed Farmers in Semi-Arid Vertisols of Karnataka: A Success Story

Abstract

Harvesting and recycling of rainwater in dryland area is critical for improving water use efficiency. Farm ponds constructed under semi-arid black soil regions have tremendous potential to enhance agricultural productivity apart from saving the water and fertile top soil. A study was conducted to assess the economic impact of farm pond on farmer income in semi-arid vertisols of Karnataka. The sustained income and livelihood security of the farmer can be assured through harvesting rainwater in farm ponds and crop diversification particularly in semi-arid black soil region. Farm pond intervention enhances the 25-30% of crop productivity as harvested rainwater available for providing one or two protective irrigations to crops at critical growth stages during dry spells and droughts.