Solution Overview
Submitter: ICRISAT
Increasing incidences of drought and extreme weather events, driven by climate change, have significantly reduced the availability and reliability of natural resources such as water, fertile soil, and biodiversity. These changes pose a threat to the sustainability of agriculture, particularly in areas already facing resource constraints. In this context, decentralized rainwater harvesting, including in-situ and ex-situ conservation technologies, becomes a vital strategy to ensure sustainable crop intensification, increasing agricultural productivity without degrading the environment or depleting resources.
Key Features & Benefits
- Main components and why it is useful? Bullet points summarizing methods, tools, and value added.
- In-situ rainwater harvesting techniques like contour bunds, field bunds, and farm ponds that retain water on-site to reduce soil erosion and improve moisture availability, Ex-situ structures, such as check dams, percolation tanks, and the renovation of traditional water harvesting systems, capture runoff for groundwater recharge and provide supplemental irrigation.
- Highly resistant to drought and downy mildew disease
- Dual purpose, and the stalk stover is used for livestock fodder
Where It Works and Where It Can Work
This technology has the potential to be applied to a range of agro-climatic zones. This solution is effective in low, medium, and high rainfall zones. In low- and medium-rainfall zones, it will help improve soil moisture and groundwater availability. In contrast, in high-rainfall zones, it will help control flooding, soil erosion, and the safe disposal of excess runoff from upstream to downstream areas. In addition, it could also be helpful in springshed areas to restore the landscape.
Evidence & Impact
This technology has the potential to be applied to a range of agro-climatic zones. This solution is effective in low, medium, and high rainfall zones. In low- and medium-rainfall zones, it will help improve soil moisture and groundwater availability. In contrast, in high-rainfall zones, it will help control flooding, soil erosion, and the safe disposal of excess runoff from upstream to downstream areas. In addition, it could also be helpful in springshed areas to restore the landscape.
Scalability & Adoption Support
Rainwater harvesting technologies can be scaled effectively because they use locally available materials, science-led engineering designs, and adaptable methods suited to diverse landscapes and farming systems. Their proven benefits in improving water availability and agricultural productivity make them attractive to farmers and communities. To support widespread adoption, it is essential to provide capacity-building through training and access to technical guidance.
Contact Information & Partners
Who's involved and how to connect?
List of key contacts and partners:
Contact Info: Dr. Ramesh Singh
Email:
Ramesh.Singh@icrisat.orgMobile:
+91 9453624811
