Major Areas :: Dryland Agriculture

Major Areas :: Dryland Agriculture :: Soil & Water Conservation Techniques

Engineering Measures - Farm ponds


Farm ponds construction	Farm ponds in plain areas	Farm ponds in hilly areas

Farm ponds are small water bodies formed either by the construction of a small dam or embankment across a waterway or by excavating or dug out. The water is usually harvested from a small catchment area and then used for irrigation during prolonged periods

Specifications:

In the selected farm land the farm pond dimension of 8m x 8m x 1.5m can be constructed for the every 1 or 2 ha of land area.

Water spreading area (sq.m)	Depth of water (m)	Suitable uses
2000 to 10000	2.5 - 3.0	Irrigation, fisheries and drinking water
2000 to < 10000	1.5 – 2.5	Irrigation & drinking water
< 2000	1.5-2.5	Pot irrigation for trees and drinking water


Farm ponds filled with water	Drinking water for animals

Unlined farm pond in Coimbatore district (Pallaadam)	Plastic Lined Farm pond - SULTANPET Block, Coimbatore District

Cost of storage :

1	Bottom Area	20 m x 20 m
2	Top Area	35 m X 35 m
3	Depth	2.2 m
4	Cost of lining material (Rs)	85,000
5	Excavation (Rs)	20,000
6	Coir dust & spreading (Rs)	2,000
7	Spreading plastic lining and sheet welding (Rs) and with earth cover	27,000
8	Cost of inlet and outlet structures	66,000
9	Total cost (Rs)	2,00,000

Benefits of farm ponds :

It collects excess runoff during rainy period.
Stored water can be used for supplemental irrigation to crops.
It is useful as drinking water for cattles during drought situation.
It can be used for spraying pesticides.
It conserves soil and moisture.