Book of Extended summaries ISDA

International Conference on Reimagining Rainfed Agro-ecosystems: Challenges &
Opportunities during 22-24, December 2022 at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad
went dry after 1 to 1.5 hrs pumping and got recuperation in 24-36 hrs. After implementation of
interventions, pumping could be done for 1-2 hrs before the well went dry and it took 18 to 24
hrs to recuperate.
On the basis of the data collected from the observation wells and the perception of farmers, it
was found that the water levels rose to the tune of 2 to 6 meters in the surrounding area of
unlined farm ponds and 2 to 8 meters in the surrounding area of percolation tanks. A total of
30 wells (50%) were found to be partly of fully influenced by the water conservation measures
in the watershed area. The data presented data clearly indicated that response was quick in
showing its effect on recharge within 10 to 15 days of rainfall. Evaluation studies carried out
on the functioning of the structures in the village have indicated that properly located, designed
and constructed different structures can have estimated approximately an efficiency ranging
from 78 to 91% with respect to recharge of groundwater, leaving the balance for seepage losses
(from nil to 8%) and evaporation losses (up to 8%). It has increased irrigation area by 15% in
watershed villages and farmers who have got farm pond or well are taking at least two assured
crops in a year. Farmers risk bearing ability increased. The shift in vegetable cultivation is one
strong indicator and it helps in the introduction of new crops i.e., fodder-based varieties,
vegetable farming, etc.
Conclusion
The efforts of the structures were seen during the project as farmers reported satisfactory water
levels in the wells. The area in rabi also indicates the effect of these structures despite a drought
year (2011) (45% normal rainfall). Interventions have a very significant role in the areas of
resource conservation on the local needs and cropping pattern. Engineering interventions have
a remarkable impact on improving the livelihoods of the villages, as they are shown to improve
yield levels by 15% and reduced costs by 30% besides improving the timeliness of operations.
Resilience through land and water management interventions, water management and governance
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