Construction of 270 livelihood ponds completed, water conservation and irrigation facilities boosted
Pulses, oilseeds and fisheries to be promoted, rural economy to be strengthened

Raipur. Construction of 270 livelihood ponds completed, boosting water conservation and irrigation facilities. By transforming water conservation into a mass movement, the Mungeli district administration has achieved a significant milestone in rural development and agricultural prosperity. Under the continuous guidance of VBG Ramji Commissioner Taran Prakash Sinha and the direction of Collector Kundan Kumar, the construction of 270 livelihood ponds has been successfully completed in the district. This initiative will prove to be a milestone in providing additional irrigation facilities to farmers, promoting water conservation, and making the rural economy self-reliant. Rainwater will be scientifically harvested in livelihood ponds, ensuring long-term water availability in the fields. This will increase irrigation capacity, boost crop production, and provide farmers with year-round water for agriculture and other livelihood activities.

Collector Kundan Kumar stated that the district administration's objective is not merely to build structures, but to provide farmers with a strong foundation for long-term livelihoods. Efforts such as water conservation, irrigation expansion, fisheries, and crop diversification will play a crucial role in making farmers self-reliant. These ponds will conserve rainwater and store it near fields. Water that previously flowed into drains and rivers will now be available for irrigation, groundwater recharge, and agricultural use. This will improve groundwater levels and provide relief from the water crisis.

The water available in the ponds will provide timely irrigation to pulses and oilseed crops. This will increase the production of gram, lentils, pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, mustard, sesame and other crops. It will also encourage crop diversification, which will increase the income of farmers and reduce natural risks. In ponds where sufficient water will be available throughout the year, fish farming can also be done using scientific methods. This will provide additional source of income to the farmers, nutritious food to the villagers and new employment opportunities will be developed at the local level.