However, farmers may have the option to design a tank of suitable capacity as per the water requirements of crops intended to be cultivated and also for other diversified use of stored water for crop production, fish rearing, kitchen garden purposes and other uses during winter season (October to March) that suffers mainly from stress period. The designed water harvesting tanks were made up of clay, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) black agri-film and brick lining in order to reduce the seepage losses. Using the stored water judiciously and economically in various farm activities is most acceptable especially for the cultivation of ginger and tomatoes, etc. This economically viable and easily adoptable technology needs to be disseminated and popularized among large sections of farmers. This paper describes all aspects, including cost of preparation, size and capacity of water harvesting tank, water loss, lining material used, water productivity and diversified use of stored water. In addition, the paper highlights the future strategies to be followed in the area.
The northwestern tract zone of India is characterized by different terrains, wide
variations in slope and altitude, soil texture, structure, depth of water table and cultivation
practices. The agriculture in the region is mostly rain fed/dry land and follows
maize-wheat cropping sequence. The chance of occurrence of drought varies from 55 to 90% in a
month in the winter season (October to March). The region suffers from the vagaries of nature,
ill-distribution of rainfall in time and space, since it is mainly dependent on
rainwater and its judicious use. Crop productivity through efficient rainwater management (on
site and off site) and suitable agronomic practices, enhances the rural economy and the
quality of life and increases income augmenting opportunities through development of
agro-based industries, introduction of high value crops and renovation of existing
village ponds for multiple uses.
Water is considered to be the key input for augmenting agriculture production all over
the world. The submontane Punjab region receives 1,000 mm rainfall creating
2,583,000 ha m water. Of which, 1,033,200 ha m water is lost annually through
seepage and evapotranspiration. Although the region receives a good amount of rainfall, it
lacks appropriate rainwater management technology, coupled with lack of suitably
designed soil and water conservation measures, along with vegetative measures, which lead
to severe water shortages, particularly in the winter season (post-monsoon season). It
affects the crop productivity as well. The summer monsoon months of June to September are
the major part of the water surplus period, while the months from October to March
are considered the water deficit period. The mean values of water surplus (800 mm)
and water deficit (200 mm) also indicate that net water surplus (600 mm) in the region
exceeds water deficits. It is of paramount concern to note that if water use in the region could
ever be increased to 189,112 ha m, from the present level of 126,075 ha m, the irrigation
potential of the region could be further explored for optimizing agricultural production.
By considering 50% of seepage loss, 945,000 ha m area can be irrigated by irrigation
to
a depth of 10 cm . |
