RCC check dams boost farmer incomes

08 Mar 2018

Farmers in Jhapusabari Pt. III village in Dhubri district of Assam faced dual problems of flooding and water scarcity. Their fields were rainfed but with no infrastructure to regulate the flow of rainwater, their crops would first be flooded with water, and then suffer from water scarcity as the rainwater would drain out quickly. Both these situations were damaging to the crops, hence reducing productivity and consequently incomes.

rcc
Crops did not receive sufficient water during critical growth stages due to poor water retention in the fields

This case study reflects the manner in which an RCC check dam, constructed under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), effectively resolved the problem by regulating rain water and retaining optimum water level for crop growth. The study also documents the consequent increase in incomes and crop diversification by farmers.

Tags
Agriculture
Farmers
Market
sustainable agriculture