For a long time, water scarcity and agricultural uncertainty have been major challenges for farmers in Madhya Pradesh. Keeping these problems in mind, the state government has effectively implemented the Farm Pond Scheme. This scheme, run through the Fisheries Department, aims to provide farmers with additional sources of income alongside farming, so that they are not entirely dependent on weather and rainfall.
The Scheme’s Objective and Vision
The main objective of the Farm Pond Scheme is to strengthen both water conservation and livelihoods simultaneously. Farmers can build a pond in a part of their field to collect rainwater, which largely eliminates irrigation problems. This pond then also becomes a means of fish farming. The government believes that if farmers have more than one income option, the rural economy will automatically strengthen, and problems like migration will also decrease.
Dual Benefits of Farming and Fish Farming
The pond created under this scheme is not limited to just water storage. Farmers can start fish farming in it and earn a regular income throughout the year. Due to the good demand for fish in the market, better profits are possible in a short time. Getting the benefit of both crops and fish from the same land brings stability to the farmers’ economic situation and reduces risk.
Special Benefits for Tribal and Small Farmers
The biggest benefit of the Farm Pond Scheme is going to tribal and economically weaker farmers. In areas where irrigation facilities are limited, this scheme is nothing short of a boon. With the facility of pond construction at a low cost, these farmers are becoming self-reliant. Although the scheme is open to all eligible farmers, priority is being given to backward classes and tribal communities.
How Much Financial Assistance Does the Government Provide?
The government bears a large part of the total cost of pond excavation and construction. On average, the cost of building a pond in one hectare of land is around Rs. 7 to 8 lakhs. Of this, about 90 percent is given as a subsidy, while only 10 percent of the cost has to be borne by the farmer. Farmers can also take a loan from the bank for this portion if they wish. With minimal investment, a long-term source of income is created.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
To avail of the farm pond scheme, the farmer must be a resident of Madhya Pradesh. They must own at least one hectare of cultivable land, and ownership or legal use of the land must be verified. The government has kept the conditions simple so that more farmers can benefit from this scheme. Applications may be rejected if false or incomplete information is provided.