Gonda: A large-scale awareness campaign was organized in Gonda on the occasion of World Water Day, focusing on water conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. The programme, held at Marigold Lawn in Pandri Kripal and Jhanjhari blocks, was conducted under an award-winning project run by Pani Sansthan, with the aim of strengthening farmers’ economic resilience.
Focus on Low-Cost, High-Yield Farming
During the event, farmers were educated on modern agricultural techniques that enable higher productivity with lower input costs, including reduced use of water and fertilizers. On March 22, similar programmes were conducted across eight development blocks in Gonda and Shravasti districts to mark World Water Day, reaching a wide farming community.
Experts emphasized that sustainable farming practices are key to ensuring both environmental balance and long-term profitability for farmers.
Concern Over Falling Groundwater Levels
A major highlight of the programme was the growing concern over declining groundwater levels. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Director of Agriculture stressed that water conservation is a collective responsibility and called upon farmers and citizens alike to adopt water-saving practices.
The District Horticulture Officer encouraged farmers to adopt drip irrigation systems, which significantly reduce water usage while maintaining crop productivity.
Excessive Extraction Raising Alarm
Technical Director Ravi Singh highlighted the increasing dependence on borewells and tubewells, which has led to excessive groundwater extraction. He warned that traditional water sources such as wells and ponds are rapidly disappearing, limiting the ability to conserve rainwater.
Experts cautioned that if this trend continues, it could lead to a severe crisis affecting both drinking water supply and irrigation in the near future.
Promoting Modern Water-Saving Techniques
Farmers were introduced to a range of innovative and sustainable practices, including:
- Mulching to retain soil moisture
- Intercropping to optimize resource use
- Selection of low water-intensive crops
- Zero-tillage farming methods
- The SRI (System of Rice Intensification) technique
- Renovation of ponds and construction of soak pits for rainwater harvesting
These techniques are expected to help farmers reduce water dependency while improving yields and soil health.
Awareness Through Culture and Community Engagement
Adding a cultural touch to the campaign, folk singer Mamta Mishra delivered performances that conveyed the importance of water conservation in both household and agricultural contexts. Interactive sessions and activities further engaged farmers, culminating in a collective pledge to conserve water.
Recognition of Progressive Farmers
As part of the कार्यक्रम, 10 progressive farmers were felicitated for adopting innovative agricultural practices. Among those honoured were Roli, Mayanka Verma, Nankai, Girja Devi, Kumkum Mishra, Meena Devi, Reena Jaiswal, Reena Verma, and Satna Devi, among others.
Collaborative Effort Ensures Success
The programme saw active participation from multiple stakeholders, including officials from the agriculture and horticulture departments, hydrogeologists, and technical experts. Key contributors included Avinash Singh, Rajeev Mishra, Birendra Kumar, Subhash Chandra, Nirbhay, and Jitendra.
The event was successfully coordinated by Ankita Mishra and Priya Srivastava, whose efforts ensured smooth execution.
A Step Toward Sustainable Agriculture
The awareness drive highlighted the urgent need for sustainable water management in agriculture, especially in regions facing depleting groundwater resources. By combining scientific knowledge with community participation, the initiative aimed to create long-term behavioral change among farmers.
As climate challenges intensify, such grassroots efforts are expected to play a crucial role in securing water resources and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in Uttar Pradesh.
