Undeterred by drought condition, a number of farmers in the twin districts of Kolar and Chickballapur persist with agriculture thanks to rainwater harvesting.
For example, N.R. Chandrashekhar, a farmer at Nenamanahalli in Kolar taluk, constructed three ponds on his property to store rainwater. His property is lush green even now.
He constructed the ponds, popularly known as ‘Krishi honda’, with his own money. One pond measures 190 ft x 80 ft and is 18-ft deep. The water from the ponds take care of the needs of about 4 acres of land. He uses the water for mulberry and ragi crops.
His initiative has drawn widespread acclamation. Hundreds of farmers, beside officials, visit his property to learn the method he adopted to reap the yields he does even against the odds.
“Instead of depending only on governments for relief, farmers need to adopt such methods and make their life happier,” says Mr. Chandrashekhar. “Even though rain is scarce, we can store whatever we get when it showers.”
