Drones Revolutionise Farm Pond Management in Anantapur

Anantapur, a drought-prone district in Andhra Pradesh, is witnessing a transformative initiative using drones to map and assess farm ponds. This innovative approach aims to rejuvenate water bodies and support farmers’ livelihoods. The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in Hyderabad has pioneered this method by surveying 103 farm ponds in Bandlapalle village. The drones provide critical data on water volume and its agricultural impact, marking advancement in rural water management.

The Role of MGNREGA in Water Management

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was enacted in 2005. It aims to create public assets and provide employment. Under this scheme, farm ponds are constructed to capture rainwater and recharge groundwater. Over 1.8 million farm ponds have been built across India between April 2014 and March 2019. These ponds are vital for irrigation in rainfed agriculture, which covers 51% of India’s net sown area.

Drone Technology in Agricultural Assessment

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras are revolutionising the monitoring of farm ponds. They provide precise and efficient data collection. The NRSC used drones to map the geometrical characteristics of 103 ponds in Bandlapalle. This study is the first of its kind to assess the water holding capacity of these ponds scientifically. The total volume of water stored was calculated at 27,810.30 cubic metres.

Economic Impact on Farmers

The use of water from farm ponds boosts farmers’ incomes. Irrigation from these ponds can lead to yield increases of up to 39% compared to rainfed conditions. The NRSC study revealed that farmers could earn an additional income of Rs 500,600 from paddy and Rs 1,034,880 from groundnut due to the availability of irrigation water. This economic benefit puts stress on the importance of farm ponds in enhancing agricultural productivity.

Community Engagement and Training

The Government of India promotes community stewardship through initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi scheme. This programme trains rural women to operate drones, enabling them to survey and manage water commons. Such training encourages local involvement and ensures sustainable management practices. The Telangana government has also partnered with NRSC to enhance drone operation training.

Importance of Sustainable Practices

Farm ponds play important role in sustainable agriculture, especially in water-scarce regions. They recharge groundwater and mitigate the risk of crop failure. The NRSC’s drone-led assessments provide essential data for managing these water bodies effectively. This information is vital in the context of climate change and growing agricultural demands.

Future Directions for Farm Pond Management

The NRSC’s findings pave the way for strategic planning in the rejuvenation of farm ponds. Monitoring their depth and water capacity is essential for long-term sustainability. The use of drones represents advancement in agricultural practices, providing a model for similar initiatives across India.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of MGNREGA in enhancing rural livelihoods and its impact on water management.
2. Discuss the significance of drone technology in agricultural practices and its implications for sustainable farming.
3. Critically discuss the challenges faced by rainfed agriculture in India and the potential solutions.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of community engagement in managing natural resources in rural areas.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of MGNREGA in enhancing rural livelihoods and its impact on water management.

1. MGNREGA was enacted in 2005 to provide a legal guarantee for at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
2. It focuses on creating durable assets like farm ponds, which enhance water availability for irrigation.
3. Over 1.8 million farm ponds have been constructed under MGNREGA, contributing to rural water management.
4. The scheme supports rainfed agriculture, which occupies about 51% of India’s net sown area, crucial for food security.
5. By improving water management, MGNREGA helps increase agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes, thereby enhancing rural livelihoods.

2. Discuss the significance of drone technology in agricultural practices and its implications for sustainable farming.

1. Drones provide high-resolution imagery and data collection, allowing for precise monitoring of farm ponds and agricultural land.
2. They enable efficient mapping of water bodies, assessing their volume and depth, vital for effective water management.
3. Drones reduce the need for extensive manual surveys, making agricultural assessments quicker and more cost-effective.
4. Using drones can help identify areas needing water conservation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
5. This technology supports timely interventions, enhancing resilience against climate change impacts on farming.

3. Critically discuss the challenges faced by rainfed agriculture in India and the potential solutions.

1. Rainfed agriculture is susceptible to climate variability, leading to inconsistent yields and food insecurity.
2. Soil degradation and water scarcity are challenges, affecting crop productivity and farmer livelihoods.
3. Limited access to irrigation facilities, like farm ponds, exacerbates the vulnerability of rainfed farmers.
4. Potential solutions include enhancing water conservation techniques, such as constructing farm ponds and improving soil health.
5. Adopting climate-resilient crop varieties and promoting sustainable farming practices can mitigate the challenges faced by rainfed agriculture.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of community engagement in managing natural resources in rural areas.

1. Community engagement encourages local ownership and stewardship of natural resources, leading to sustainable management practices.
2. Programs like the Namo Drone Didi scheme empower rural women, enabling them to manage water resources effectively.
3. Involving communities in decision-making enhances the relevance and effectiveness of environmental initiatives.
4. Successful examples include community-managed forests and water bodies, which have shown improved resource conservation and biodiversity.
5. Engagement in resource management can also improve livelihoods, as seen with farm ponds increasing agricultural productivity in regions like Anantapur.