Rainwater Harvesting Methods for Kharif Farmers: Making Every Drop Count

The Kharif season brings both opportunity and uncertainty for Indian farmers. With major crops like paddy, maize, pulses, and cotton depending on the southwest monsoon, timely and adequate rainfall is critical. But in recent years, erratic or delayed rains and dry spells have become more common.

That’s why more farmers are turning to rainwater harvesting methods—simple, cost-effective ways to capture and store rainwater directly in the storage systems of their farms. These methods can help reduce water stress, improve soil moisture, and ensure crops survive even when the rains don’t arrive as expected.

In this blog, we’ll explore rainwater harvesting methods that are proven, practical, and suited to Indian rural conditions, especially for small and marginal Kharif farmers.

Why Rainwater Harvesting Matters for Kharif

• Over 60% of Indian agriculture is rain-fed, especially in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of Karnataka and Telangana.

• Even in high-rainfall regions, runoff and poor water retention lead to water shortages soon after the rains stop.

• Kharif crops are vulnerable to moisture stress during the flowering and grain-filling stages.

Effective rainwater harvesting can:

• Provide protective irrigation during dry spells

• Improve soil health and nutrient uptake

• Recharge local groundwater

• Reduce dependency on borewells or tankers

1. Farm Ponds (Khet Talab)

What it is: A dug-out pond within or near the farm that collects and stores rainwater or excess runoff.

Best for: Individual or group use in medium to high rainfall areas

Benefits:

• Stores water for 1–2 irrigations during dry spells

• Helps maintain livestock and nursery plants

• Reduces downstream flooding and erosion

Tip: In black cotton soil areas, pond linings (with clay or plastic) can reduce water seepage.

2. Contour Bunding

What it is: Construction of small earthen bunds along the natural contours of sloped land.

Best for: Hilly or undulating terrain

Benefits:

• Slows down rainwater runoff

• Promotes water percolation into the soil

• Reduces soil erosion

Farmer Tip: Strengthen bunds by planting grasses (like vetiver or marvel) on the ridges.

3. Nala Plugging and Check Dams

What it is: Building small barriers across seasonal streams or nalas to collect rainwater.

Best for: Cluster or community-level use in villages

Benefits:

• Stores runoff during heavy rains

• Recharges nearby wells and borewells

• Provides surface water for short-term irrigation

Government Support: Many states support these under MGNREGA and Watershed Development Programmes

4. Percolation Pits and Trenches

What it is: Small dug pits or trenches in the field or nearby fallow land to allow water to seep underground.

Best for: Dryland areas or places with falling groundwater levels

Benefits:

• Helps in recharging wells

• Increases root zone moisture

• Improves groundwater quality over time

Farmer Tip: Fill with stones or gravel to prevent clogging and improve infiltration.

5. Loose Boulder Structures (LBS)

What it is: Stacking loose stones in the path of small streams or water channels on hilly terrain.

Best for: Tribal or semi-arid regions with small catchments

Benefits:

• Slows water flow

• Promotes infiltration into surrounding soil

• Prevents gully erosion

Cost-Effective: Can be built with local stones and labour.

6. Field Bunding and Compartmental Bunding

What it is: Small rectangular plots are created using bunds to divide larger fields.

Best for: Black soil regions like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka

Benefits:

• Holds rainwater where it falls

• Enhances moisture conservation

• Reduces nutrient run-off

Farmer Tip: Combine with mulching to retain moisture longer.

Using Rainwater Wisely: Practical Advice

• Start before the rains: Prepare structures by May so they’re ready to capture early monsoon showers.

• Integrate methods: Use combinations— like contour bunds with a farm pond —for maximum benefit.

• Maintain regularly: Clean, repair cracks, and reinforce weak bunds to ensure effectiveness every year.

• Involve the community: Watershed-based models work better when planned across neighbouring farms.

Government Schemes and Assistance

Rainwater harvesting is a national priority, and farmers can access technical and financial support through:

• PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop): Supports micro-irrigation and on-farm water management

• MGNREGA: Funds community water conservation structures like ponds, check dams, and LBS

• State Agriculture Departments & ATMA: Offer guidance, designs, and cost-sharing assistance

Visit your Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Gram Panchayat to know what’s available in your district.

Conclusion: Prepare Your Fields, Secure Your Harvest

Rain is unpredictable—but your crop needn’t suffer because of it. With locally tested rainwater harvesting methods, you can store rainwater, protect your soil, and water your fields even in case of meager rainfall. Every drop you save today can save your crop tomorrow.