Elders wisdom benefits Bollaram

Nalgonda: With the six decades of traditional wisdom of village elders, present generation of farmers are reaping benefits despite prevailing drought-like conditions in Bollaram village. Though at present more than half of Nalgonda district is under drought conditions, Bollaram village has greener pastures getting appreciation from all quarters.

With a population of 800, Bollaram of Chandampeta mandal has 700 acres of land for cultivation has become a role model and source of inspiration to other villages. Village elders, who have seen many summers, are forecasting climatic changes. They passed a resolution unanimously opting for conventional methods of farming with open wells for irrigation.

Taking to the resolution as a ‘fatwah’, many newgen farmers are following in the footsteps of elders to save every drop of water. In this direction, they designed ways and means to divert flood and rainwater into their wells to maintain sufficient levels to meet their farming needs.

Over 80 wells with 30 feet to 40 feet depth and 10 feet to 12 feet width are taking care of irrigation needs of the agriculture fields. Bollaram farmers are raising crops in Kharif and Rabi twice in a year on par with Krishna Delta farmers. Topographically, Bollaram is blessed with Chinthriyala hillock, Yennambanda water body, which is the main water source for the irrigation wells.

Besides this water source, watersheds in the village are helping wells to maintain sufficient levels. The villagers dug two borewells to cater drinking needs. Water from the two borewells was obtained at 40 feet depth which is soft. Now, the villagers thank their elders for their visionary resolution which have been reaping benefits even after 60 years that to be during drought times.