Book of Extended summaries ISDA

International Conference on Reimagining Rainfed Agro-ecosystems: Challenges &
Opportunities during 22-24, December 2022 at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad
simulation of current climatic and hydrologic concerns (e.g. climate change, land management,
groundwater recharge, etc.).
T1-47 P-1574
Popularization of Climate Smart Technology – Jalkund/Farm Pond for
Crop Cultivation Post Monsoon Period
Amrutha T., Azriel Mervin Tariang*, Arun K. Singha, and Rajumoni Bordoloi
ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII, Umiam
Umroi Road, Umiam-793103, Meghalaya, INDIA
* azrieltariang@gmail.com
The preservation of moisture through water conservation structures like farm ponds and
"Jalkunds" is one of the solutions that area farmers most frequently request. During monsoon,
when rain is abundant, moisture or water is stored in these constructions to be used throughout
the lean season, which is typically during the winter. Farmers used to be unable to cultivate
crops during the winter months after harvesting paddy due to a lack of water. In addition, with
the ongoing changes in rainfall patterns brought about by climate change the fields were
typically left fallow. Some farmers find it burdensome because they are unable to cultivate the
crop and earn more income throughout the season. For this reason, the majority of the farmers
have sought assistance on this particular problem from various agricultural authorities. Since
the project's inception, this specific intervention has benefited a number of farmers. According
to the annual reports between 2015 and 2022, 211 farmers from the five states of Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura that are part of ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII, have
benefited from the ex-situ moisture conservation intervention. The total cropping area under
Jalkund was 119.83 ha, compared to the area without Jalkund which 23.02 ha was only, which
represents a 420.54% increase in cropping pattern over the period. Naturally, crops grown in
places with irrigation from water storage systems resulted in higher yields than those grown
without irrigation from such systems. To site an example, the average yield from the cultivation
cabbage varieties viz., Green Magic, Wonder Ball, Green Hero, Rare Ball, and Blue Jays which
were cultivated under the intervention to crops under farmer's practice was reported to be
243.47 q/ha and 187.28 q/ha, respectively. This represents a yield increase of 30% over the
farmer's practice. The average net return and the BC ratio from the intervention to the farmer's
practice was reported to be Rs. 133878.75 and Rs. 60222.00 and 2.86 and 1.75 per hectare
respectively. All Rabi crops grown with irrigation from farm ponds and jalkunds are following
the same pattern. This establishes the significance of the moisture conservation initiative in the
region. Moreover, it was reported that a number of capable farmers have chosen to construct
their own water storage structures for agricultural and allied purposes. It will gain popularity
over time and the KVKs spearheading the technology are urged to collaborate with other
departments to reach more farmers throughout the many districts.
122 | Page Resilience through land and water management interventions, water management and governance