- The developed India Ji-Ram Ji scheme has provided a permanent source of irrigation; now income will increase from farming as well as fisheries.
The More Village More Water Campaign and the Vikasit Bharat Ji-Ram Ji Yojana, run under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, are becoming a new foundation of prosperity for the state’s farmers. Through water conservation-based initiatives, farmers are gaining access to sustainable irrigation facilities, thereby increasing agricultural production and creating new income opportunities.
Shri Pitambar Bareth, a small farmer from Pacheda village panchayat in the Navagarh development block of Janjgir-Champa district, is an inspiring example. Under the Vikasit Bharat Ji-Ram Ji scheme, an agriculture and livelihood pond was constructed on his farm in 2025-26 at a cost of ₹0.907 lakh. The pond’s construction has enabled effective rainwater harvesting, providing him with adequate water for irrigation throughout the year.
The construction of the pond generated 299 man-days of employment, providing employment to local laborers. With increased water availability, Mr. Bareth is now preparing to begin aquaculture alongside farming. This will create additional sources of income and strengthen his agricultural activities.
Mr. Pitambar Bareth explained that farming was previously affected due to a lack of sufficient water for irrigation, but with the construction of the livelihood pond, this problem has largely been resolved. Now, he expects better crop production and additional income from fish farming.
According to experts, water conservation projects like livelihood ponds not only provide farmers with a sustainable source of irrigation, but also play a vital role in improving groundwater levels, harvesting rainwater, and conserving natural resources. Such efforts are proving effective in strengthening the rural economy and empowering farmers to become self-reliant.
