Farm Ponds in Sundargarh Transform Agriculture and Boost Livelihood

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to bolster agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the tribal-majority district of Sundargarh, Odisha, a comprehensive farm pond construction program is being implemented across all 17 blocks of the district. This initiative, supported by the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC), aims to ensure reliable irrigation, enhance crop yields, and recharge groundwater.

Sundargarh, a district known for its hills, forests, and agricultural community, faces challenges related to irrigation, particularly in cultivating seasonal crops alongside paddy. To address these challenges, the farm pond construction program was launched with the financial backing of OMBADC. The program is executed with the collaboration of the Directorate of Horticulture and the Directorate of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development.

So far, 262 farm ponds have been excavated across Sundargarh. Of these, 238 projects are being implemented by the Directorate of Horticulture, while the remaining 24 projects are managed by the Directorate of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development. This initiative has provided much-needed irrigation facilities to farmers, allowing them to grow a variety of crops and significantly improve their income and living standards.

“I have 5 acres of land. Earlier, due to a lack of irrigation, good cultivation was not possible. Now, with the farm pond, I am able to grow various kinds of vegetables. The income from this has significantly improved my family’s lifestyle,” said Sanjukta Patel, a farm pond beneficiary from Mangaspur village in Tangarpali block. Like many others in the region, Patel has seen a transformation in her agricultural output and financial stability.

“Previously, our financial condition was not stable. But with the construction of the farm pond, my cropland now has water year-round. By selling diverse crops, I earn around Rs 1 lakh annually. As a result, the financial situation of our family has improved,” Patel added, highlighting the program’s impact on her family’s well-being.

The farm ponds ensure year-round water availability, preventing farmland from remaining unproductive and allowing farmers to cultivate multiple crops. This has not only boosted agricultural productivity but also contributed to better groundwater management in the region.

Given the increasing challenges posed by climate change, including erratic monsoon patterns and higher groundwater usage due to population growth, such initiatives are crucial. The construction of farm ponds, along with other water harvesting projects, check dams, and solar-powered deep bore wells, are essential in balancing groundwater levels and aiding soil conservation.

The OMBADC-supported initiatives are part of a broader effort to develop sustainable agricultural practices and ensure the long-term viability of farming in mineral-rich districts like Sundargarh. As the program continues to expand, more farmers are expected to benefit, leading to improved livelihoods and greater agricultural resilience in the face of climate challenges.