Rainwater harvesting using plastics lined ponds and its efficient utilization strategies

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting is one of the important aspects which has been emphasized  again and again at all levels. For agricultural growth, water is a crucial factor.  However, only 44% cultivable land has been brought under irrigation and rest has  to depend on rainfall only. In uplands of hilly or plateau regions, which is  horticultural potential area, mainly suffers due to lack of irrigation water, even  though occurrence of good amount of rainfall that is restricted to monsoon season.  Rainwater harvesting in small ponds and then providing irrigation using some  efficient system is one of the answers to the problem. But, higher seepage from  such ponds limits use of such water resources. Plastics lining (may be with LDPE,  HDPE or silpau line) has become popular now-a-days. Method of lining with such  material differs from one place to another as well as requirement. Proper method of  lining, life of such lining, protection from damages, etc. are some of the issues  which are being researched upon at several places and recommended based on  need of the location. Secondly, appropriate strategy for utilization of such costly  water resources in upland or mid-land areas needs to be evolved for realizing  maximum benefits. It includes water conveyance, irrigation method, water  delivery and application devices, irrigation scheduling, and dynamic command  area as per availability of harvested water in a particular season/period, economics, etc. The paper enumerates various achievements obtained in experimental farm as well as in farmer's field in participatory mode at different locations under the AICRP on Application of plastics in Agriculture as well as elsewhere.