Farmers dig 2,616 farm ponds in 2 years, receive Rs 19 crore in aid

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

In a significant push toward water conservation, farmers in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, and Jalna districts have dug 2,616 farm ponds over the past two years, aided by government subsidies totaling Rs 19.67 crore.

Marathwada, historically plagued by drought and water scarcity, relies heavily on monsoon-fed agriculture, with nearly 75% of its farming dependent on the kharif season. To combat this challenge, the Agriculture Department launched the Magel tyala shet tale (farm pond on demand) scheme, later rebranded in 2022 as the chief minister sustainable agriculture irrigation scheme. This initiative has provided subsidies ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 75,000 per farmer, increasing from the earlier cap of Rs 50,000.

According to the Divisional Agriculture Joint Director’s office, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district saw 1,049 new farm ponds, Jalna accounted for 1,233, and Beed contributed 334, collectively boosting the region's water storage capacity.

Lottery-based selection and subsidy disbursement

Farmers interested in the scheme apply through the Agriculture Department’s MahaDBT portal and are selected via a lottery system. Once chosen, they must construct farm ponds as per specified dimensions, which are then inspected by agricultural officers. Upon successful verification, the subsidy is transferred directly to their bank accounts, ensuring transparency and efficiency in fund distribution.

Government support for plastic liners

To enhance water retention, the government also offers subsidies for plastic pond liners. Without these liners, stored water seeps into the ground, reducing the pond's effectiveness. This additional aid ensures that farm ponds serve as reliable water sources for irrigation beyond the monsoon season, empowering farmers to cultivate crops even in the dry months.