Keonjhar: Fertile soil and reliable water sources are vital for successful farming, and the state government is making significant strides in promoting soil and rainwater conservation in Keonjhar district. Through the ‘Integrated Watershed Management’ program, supported by the Odisha Mineral Bearing Area Development Corporation (OMBADC), farmers are gaining access to resources that boost agricultural productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Keonjhar, a mineral-rich district with a predominantly tribal population, often faces water scarcity that limits year-round farming. To address this challenge, OMBADC has facilitated the construction of farm ponds, water harvesting structures, and check dams, enabling farmers to cultivate diverse cash crops and secure sustainable livelihoods.
“Previously, we depended on rainfall and faced difficulties due to our hilly terrain. Rainwater would flow away quickly, leaving us without sufficient water for farming. With OMBADC’s support, I constructed a water harvesting structure, and now I grow crops like watermelon, pumpkin, and mustard while also venturing into fish farming,” shared Harihara Nayak, a beneficiary from Telkoi Block.
Similarly, Ketaki Mohanta from Patna Block highlighted the benefits of a farm pond built with OMBADC’s assistance. “This pond allows me to cultivate paddy and vegetables. My family actively participates in farming, and the income helps manage household expenses and fund my children’s education,” she said.
By the 2023-24 fiscal year, OMBADC had facilitated the construction of 17 farm ponds and 238 water harvesting structures in Keonjhar, benefiting over 2,300 farmers. Additionally, 24 check dams were constructed, providing irrigation to farmlands and transforming the agricultural landscape for more than 300 farmers.
Jogendra Yadav, a farmer from Balita village in Joda Block, praised the check dam initiative. “Before 2019, we could only grow one crop during the rainy season. Since the check dam was built with OMBADC’s support, we’ve been able to cultivate multiple crops, which has significantly boosted our income,” he said.
The integrated watershed management approach has led to effective rainwater conservation, year-round irrigation, groundwater recharge, and soil erosion control. These measures have not only stabilized soil moisture levels but also improved crop yields.
Farmers in Keonjhar now cultivate rice, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds and engage in fish farming, witnessing a significant improvement in their standard of living. The initiatives, supported by OMBADC, have not only revitalized agriculture in the district but also strengthened the livelihoods of thousands of farming families, driving sustainable growth in the region.