Farm pond experiment bearing fruits

​Kurnool: Farm ponds, started on an experimental basis, proved to be a boon to the parched Rayalaseema region. As the State experienced pre-monsoon showers, farm ponds are filled to the brim.

Under the Neeru-Chettu programme, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has been encouraging farmers to go for farm ponds with a missionary zeal on the lines of the Mission Kakatiya, which is under way in Telangana.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid emphasis on digging farm ponds at any given opportunity during his interaction with people. He chased officials and leaders to implement the farm pond programme during the current summer with a fever pitch.

The good news is that farmers have been reaping benefits of farm ponds even before the monsoon set in. Check dams built near the agriculture farms and streams are storing every drop of rain water. At some places the check dams are overflowing.

After a gap of two years, all farm ponds are full with water. The farmers are heaving a sigh of relief as they don’t have to wait for water tankers or go to agriculture well in their farm to fetch water. With the thick growth of grass everywhere, the cattle are getting enough fodder.

The paddy will be ready for transplantation by the time monsoon arrives this week. At Gargeyapuram, all farm ponds en route to Miduturu were full with water. The flood water is emptying itself into Handri-Neeva breathing farm bunds.

Recalling the hot and dry days they had experienced till recently, the farmers are busy preparing the paddy seedlings for transplantation.

By:D Harikishan