Neemuch, May 30
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) 2.0 was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance access to water on farmlands, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation and also improve on-farm water use efficiency.
The PMKSY scheme, promoting the use of contour trench technology, has met with considerable success and is yielding considerable results in water conservation as well as groundwater recharge.
The results are visible in at least three villages of Neemuch district -- Danta, Kundaliya and Bhagori villages, and this has started bringing dramatic changes in the livelihood of farmers.
Earlier, the rainwater used to flow away, but now it is getting absorbed into the ground through contour trenching. This has not only increased the water level but has also created a proper system of irrigation in the fields.
Many villagers spoke to IANS about the changing agricultural practices and how this has helped them overcome the shortage of water and still make up for a good agricultural yield.
Farmer Mukesh Dhangar said that due to the construction of the contour trench, the water level in the fields has increased, and now three to four crops are grown here.
"Earlier, farming was affected due to a lack of water, but now water is being collected through the farm pond and trenches. This scheme is proving to be a boon for farmers," he said.
Farmer Dinesh Nagda said, "With this scheme, water is available for 12 months. Earlier, hand pumps used to dry up, now they remain operational till the rains."
Babu Singh Chauhan of village Vasaniya and Sarpanch representative Chetan Gurjar also praised the scheme and said that it has made the entire Panchayat area water rich.
Neemuch District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Aman Vaishnav said that the barren land is also becoming green now.
"Seeds of plants like acacia and khair are being sprinkled around the contour trench to increase greenery in a natural way," he informed.
Another big benefit of the project is that it has resolved the drinking water crisis, especially in summer. Water collects in structures like trenches and check dams and maintains the groundwater level, due to which the villagers are able to get water even in summer.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is exactly what Indian agriculture needed! Water conservation through traditional methods like contour trenching is brilliant. My uncle in Rajasthan has similar water issues - hope PMKSY reaches there soon. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan! 🇮🇳
Wonderful to see grassroots impact of government schemes. But implementation must be monitored properly - in my district some funds were misused last year. Still, happy for Neemuch farmers! ðŸ‘
As someone from MP, I've seen how water scarcity destroys crops. This contour trench technology is revolutionary! Now if only they could fix the MSP issues too... One step at a time I guess.
My father was a farmer and struggled with water problems his whole life. Wish such schemes came earlier. Good to see the government focusing on sustainable solutions rather than just giving loans. More power to our annadatas! 🌾
The dual benefit of solving both irrigation AND drinking water issues is impressive. But will this work in all soil types? Our village in Maharashtra has very rocky terrain. Hope they customize solutions region-wise.
Great initiative! But what about maintenance? Many such projects fail after 2-3 years when structures break down. The article doesn't mention any plans for long-term upkeep. Still, a positive start ðŸ‘
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