MNREGA Scheme: Farm Ponds Being Built for Irrigation and Farming Fish

Key Highlights:

• 687 farm ponds are being built in the Sehore district.

• Target to build 1670 ponds and 2600 recharge pits.

• SIPRI software helps in site selection for ponds.

• Farmers to benefit from irrigation and fish farming.

• The campaign ensures water availability during droughts.

The government is constructing farm ponds under the MNREGA scheme to help farmers with irrigation and fish farming. Along with these ponds, other water structures like well recharge pits and Amrit Sarovar are also being built to improve groundwater levels. This not only supports farming activities but also provides employment to rural communities.

Also Read: MNREGA: Provision for Well Construction to Boost Irrigation in Rural Areas

Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan Launched in Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, has started a 90-day campaign called Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan. The goal of this campaign is to:

• Collect rainwater

• Recharge old water sources

• Ensure water availability during droughts

Under this campaign, farm ponds, well recharge pits, and Amrit Sarovars are being constructed in farmers fields through MNREGA in all districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Sehore District Takes the Lead in Farm Pond Construction

Sehore district has shown remarkable progress in this campaign. In the year 2025, more than 687 farm ponds have already been started in the district. According to the District Administration of Sehore, the target is to construct:

• 1,670 farm ponds

• 2,600 well recharge pits

Out of these, work has begun on 687 farm ponds and 1,440 well recharge pits, while 2,250 recharge pits have already been approved.

Benefits for Farmers: Irrigation and Fish Farming

The construction of farm ponds is being actively monitored by the Madhya Pradesh State Employment Guarantee Council. These ponds will help farmers:

• Store rainwater for irrigation

• Grow crops more efficiently

• Start fish farming for additional income

The local administration is also making farmers aware of the importance of water conservation. As a result, more villagers are now interested in building ponds in their fields.

Site Selection Made Easier with SIPRI Software

The use of SIPRI (Software for Identification and Planning of Rural Infrastructure) has made site selection easier. This software, developed by the Madhya Pradesh State Employment Guarantee Council, uses modern technologies like:

• Geomorphology

• Hydrology

These tools help in identifying the best locations for building farm ponds and water structures. With these ponds:

• Rainwater will be conserved

• Water for irrigation will become easily available

• Farmers can irrigate crops 2 to 3 times more

• Groundwater levels in wells and tube wells will improve

Also Read: Two New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Developed in India: A Big Step Towards Better Farming

CMV360 Says

The MNREGA-based Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan is proving to be a big step toward water conservation and rural employment. Through initiatives like farm ponds and recharge pits, Madhya Pradesh is helping farmers secure water for agriculture and create new income opportunities like fish farming. This effort will not only support agriculture but also improve the groundwater system in rural areas.