The Impact of Water Harvesting on
Agriculture in Bundelkhand

In our country, agriculture is the key source of livelihood for many. But the recurring drought has become a major problem in areas like Greater Bundelkhand, where 64 percent of the population depends on agriculture for their living. Droughts have direct economic and social ramifications. They have impacted grain production, horticulture crops, animal productivity, unemployment, migration, community water conflicts and hunger owing to altered dietary preferences. Therefore, there is a need to understand the perceptions of rural farmers about the impact of droughts on their socioeconomic activities and the environment, adoption of alternative methods and knowledge about the government’s mitigation initiatives.

Development Alternatives developed a Watershed Development Programme in Budpura village in 2017 in collaboration with NABARD. A village-level body known as the village watershed committee was formed to oversee the project's execution and maintenance. Under the Watershed Development Fund, a check-dam was built by the village watershed committee with the active participation of community members, which allowed a significant volume of water to be held for a long time. Water supply for irrigation changed as a result of the check-dam construction. Water in the drainage system previously lasted until December-January, but the check-dam has extended the water availability until March, ensuring water for irrigation of more than 105 acres of land during the kharif and rabi seasons.

Farmers are overjoyed since water levels in nearby wells have improved too, and so has the soil moisture within a 50-metre radius. Production has increased by more than 20%, while input costs have dropped by 10% to 15%. Because beneficiaries can stay in one place with enough food, the rate of migration has been cut to half, also benefiting their health. With these positive outcomes, the community has become more alert, and they are eager to continue the watershed work.■

Vineeta Khatri
vkhatri@devalt.org