Farm Pond Development for Water Security in Highland and Undulated Areas

MANUVIKASA has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture through the construction of farm ponds that help farmers harness and manage rainwater effectively, particularly in undulated terrains and hilltop regions of Uttara Kannada district. Despite being a high-rainfall area, the region suffers from water scarcity during late winter and summer due to rapid runoff and lack of adequate water harvesting structures.

Farm Pond Specifications

We construct small-scale, cost-effective farm ponds with minimum dimensions of:

• 30 ft (Length) x 30 ft (Width) x 10 ft (Depth)
  Each such pond can store approximately 2.5 lakh liters (250,000 liters) of water at one time. Depending on landholding and location, some ponds are extended up to 50 ft x 50 ft x 10 ft.

Each farm pond supports 2–3 acres of farmland, ensuring critical irrigation support during dry spells.

Types of Farm Ponds Developed

We promote two major types of farm ponds tailored to local topography:

1. Water Harvesting and Sinking Tanks
   • Built in upper elevation lands.
   • Filled through surface runoff via feeder channels.
   • Designed to percolate water into the ground, supporting the recharge of nearby wells and downhill spring systems.
   • Each tank can drain 9 lakh liters of water into the subsoil per season.
   • Overflow is managed through a proper outlet system.
2. Spring Water Tanks
   • Constructed where natural springs emerge.
   • Do not require feeder channels or external water inputs.
   • Designed to discharge 1.5–2 inches of water per day to adjacent fields.
   • Deliver an average of 50,000 liters per day to crops.
   • Protected from outside water contamination to maintain spring purity.

Technology and Expertise

• Our team is skilled in identifying ideal spots for pond construction, particularly spring points and rainwater runoff zones.
• We have implemented scientific assessment techniques and community consultation processes to ensure optimal location and utilization of each pond.

Community Contribution and Cost Sharing

• Total construction cost per pond: ₹12,000
• Farmer contribution: ₹6,000 (50%), collected after pond completion
• This cost-sharing model builds ownership, ensures sustainability, and makes the model scalable.

Impact Achieved

• 3630+ farm ponds constructed
• 5554+ small and marginal farmers supported
• 12508+ acres of land brought under irrigation (Kharif and Rabi seasons)
• Enabled conversion of previously uncultivated land into productive farmland (arecanut, banana, spice crops under mixed cropping systems)
• Farmers have reported 100% to 200% increase in income within 2–4 years

Key Benefits of Farm Ponds

• Reliable irrigation during non-monsoon seasons
• Mitigates drought risk, promoting crop diversification
• Enhances groundwater recharge and spring rejuvenation
• Reduces soil erosion and surface runoff
• Provides water for livestock and limited domestic use
• Enables fish rearing and integrated farming
• Improves soil quality through reuse of excavated topsoil
• Helps level farmlands, improving productivity