IWMP-11 - Commissionerate of Rural Development Gujarat State ...

DWDU, Rajkot
accumulated soil moisture deficits within the rainy season. Such structures are especially important in areas which
are poor in groundwater resources and which do not have access to canal irrigation. Such areas form about half of
India's agricultural area.
b). Percolation Tank: Percolation dams are constructed for recharging groundwater. Such structures are usually made on the
upper part of the catchment area. Water stored here percolates to wells and tube wells located in the lower part of the catchment.
Such dams can also be made in the immediate upstream portion of wells and tube wells. Depending on the capacity of the dam and
duration of water storage, the dam can have secondary benefits (such as pisciculture) that are vital for the livelihood security of
marginal farmers and landless labourers.
3) Farm bund
Farm bunds are constructed on agricultural land with the aim of arresting soil erosion and improving the soil moisture profile.
Ideally, bunds on farms should be made on the contour line. But this creates several problems for farmers. Contour bunds
divide the field into irregular sections. In such a situation, it becomes inconvenient to maneuver bullocks for operations such
as ploughing and line-sowing.
4. Afforestation: Emphasis is placed on maximizing the use of available land and resources with high yield tree species. Trees can
either be of similar species or mixed in a manner that will result in a stand or forest. Depending on the climate, geographical layout
of the area and the soil conditions, trees that have the greatest growth potential are selected like Babool, Neem, Sesame and
Ailanthus.
Detailed Project Report: IWMP-11 83