Book of Extended summaries ISDA

International Conference on Reimagining Rainfed Agro-ecosystems: Challenges &
Opportunities during 22-24, December 2022 at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad
Under the DARE, GoI, SFC funded project, during 2013-15, Honwad village, was selected
from the Vijayapura district. SWC structures (bunds, farm ponds) were constructed in 500 ha
area of project village, also other dry land practices were demonstrated and custom hire service
centre was established. Under the project, the largescale demonstrations at the micro watershed
level with the farmers’ participation comprising in-situ water conservation, harvesting of
excess water in ponds and groundwater recharging and its efficient use through appropriate
supplemental irrigation methods, improved crop varieties, cropping systems were conducted
in the farmers’ fields of the Honwad village. The Honwad village is located about 25 kilometers
from the Vijayapura city.
A. Soil and water conservation works undertaken at Honwad micro-watershed
The graded bund, Zing conservation, Pipe outlet, Waste weir, Farm Pond and Open well
recharge structures were constructed at Honwad micro watershed.
a. Zing conservation: The concept of contour bunding is widely practiced to conserve in-situ
rain water. The practice of contour bunding could be slightly modified by leveling 1/3 or
1/4 area on the upstream side of the bund to form a zing terrace. The leveled portion of zing
conservation helps to increase the water spread area and provides more opportunity time
for the rain water to percolate in. The increased moisture retention in-situ helps the crops
to yield more in years of normal rainfall. The impact is more pronounced during sub normal
rainfall years. It also provides opportunities for double cropping in the leveled portions.
The high value and horticultural crops could be successfully raised in the leveled portions.
In the unleveled areas drought crops may be grown.
b. Farmpond: During the year 2013-14, two farmponds were dug in the micro-watershed
each measuring 23 X 17 X 3 m (1198 cum & 1211.62 cum), which were not only the source
of drinking water for the people and animals living around ponds but also providing water
for taking up sprays to control pests by the farmers in the area. When there were no
expectations of rains after the sowing of sorghum, the irrigation provided from the ponds
with the 1.5 HP petrol start-diesel run pump and sprinkler system saved the sorghum and
bengalgram crop. The ponds were full with the receipt of first rains. It was refilled with the
receipt of subsequent rains. Till the end of February 2015, more than 50% of water was
available to use.
c. Open well recharge: The runoff from the nearby nala was diverted to the open well
through the filter. This technique was initiated at two locations to demonstrate the
importance of open well recharge to enhance the farm productivity by providing
supplemental irrigations at crops critical stages. With the receipt of first rains, the open well
was recharged with water up to 20 ft, while the second rain filled the open well completely.
This water was sufficient to irrigate two acres. Till now the well was full for seven times.
72 | Page Resilience through land and water management interventions, water management and governance