Economic Impact of Farm Ponds on Climate-Resilient Rainfed Agriculture: Evidence from Semi-arid Karnataka#
Price: ₹ 500
Author: Ravi Dupdal, Naik B.S., Ramesha, M.N., Ravi, K.N, Rao, B.K., Madhu, M., Patil S.L. and Morade, A.S.
Author Address: Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Ballari-583104 (Karnataka), Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun-248195 (Uttarakhand), Principal S
Keywords: ate variability, crop diversification, farm pond, livelihood, semi-arid regions.
JEL Codes: Q01, Q15, Q25.
Abstract
The present study assessed the economic impacts of farm ponds in the semi-arid regions of Karnataka using a multistage random sampling technique. Primary data were collected from 320 farm households (160 each with and without farm ponds) during 2023-2025. The findings showed that the adoption of farm ponds increased cropping intensity from 137.1 to 157.0 per cent and raised crop yields by 14-41 per cent, due to supplemental irrigation during critical growth stages. Farm ponds generated 15 per cent higher on-farm employment and enhanced livestock ownership, while larger farm ponds enable greater crop diversification than smaller ponds. However, improper design, site unsuitability, and sedimentation constrained the performance of farm ponds. Thus, scientifically designed farm ponds enhance farm productivity, income and climate resilience in semi-arid regions.
Description
Indian J Econ Dev, 2026, 22(3), 526-534
https://doi.org/10.35716/IJED-26061