To improve onfarm water availability and reduce overreliance on borewells, the Uttar Pradesh government has constructed 37,403 farm ponds since 2017 under the Khet Talab Yojana. The scheme, aimed at enhancing irrigation in rainfed zones, has now reopened for new applications for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
Each pond 22x22x3 meters is built under a 50:50 costsharing model between the government and farmer. Once constructed, farmers are encouraged to integrate drip or sprinkler irrigation systems for optimal water usage.
These ponds have been particularly effective in droughtprone regions such as Bundelkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, improving crop stability for smallholders cultivating paddy, vegetables, and wheat.
The initiative is aligned with national missions like PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana) and MGNREGA, ensuring both resource development and rural job creation.
Farmers are now being urged to utilize the digital application portal and avail subsidies before the monsoon peaks.
By
