- Pond in the field, prosperity in life: MNREGA scheme brings record increase in income of Bijapur farmer
The ponds constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) are now becoming an effective means of increasing income and strengthening agriculture for farmers in Bijapur district. These ponds, built for water conservation, irrigation facilities, and additional employment, are bringing positive changes to the lives of rural farmers. Mr. Vasam Abbaiah, a farmer from Cherpalli Gram Panchayat of Bhopalpatnam Janpad Panchayat, is an inspiring example, a feat commended by Mr. Kedar Kashyap, Minister in charge of the Forest and District Administration.
The MNREGA-funded pond, which boosted agricultural prospects,
constructed a pond on the private land of Vasam Abbaiah, a farmer with approximately 2 acres of agricultural land, under the MNREGA scheme in the financial year 2023-24 at a cost of ₹2.25 lakh. This work generated 993 man-days of employment and provided work to 104 job card-holder families.
Additional income from fish farming:
After the construction of the pond, Vasam Abbaiah began fish farming. In the first attempt, he earned an additional income of approximately 35,000 rupees by selling approximately 20 kilograms of fish. Currently, 40 kilograms of fish seeds have been deposited in the pond, which is expected to generate even more income in the future.
Profits from vegetable production:
He also began cultivating vegetables like semolina, barbatti, and bottle gourd on the banks of the pond. The sale of these vegetables earned him an additional profit of approximately 40,000 rupees. This has significantly increased the family’s income.
Irrigation facility makes double cropping possible.
Due to the year-round availability of water in the pond, his entire agricultural land is now regularly irrigated. Previously, he practiced exclusively rain-fed farming, but now, with the availability of irrigation facilities, he has been able to harvest double crops for the first time. This has increased both agricultural productivity and income.
According
to Ms. Rita Yalam, Employment Assistant, the ponds constructed under MNREGA are not only conserving water but also becoming a powerful source of additional income for farmers. Along with increased irrigation facilities, they are also encouraging livelihood activities like fisheries and vegetable production.
Effective initiatives towards rural development:
Tank construction in Bijapur district is playing a vital role in water conservation, employment generation, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Farmer Vasam Abbaiah’s success proves that assets constructed under MNREGA are effectively contributing to rural farmers’ self-reliance and strengthening their economic position.