Knowledge and Benefits of Farm Pond Scheme among Farm Women of Bhilwara District

Author: Riya Arya, Rajshree Uppadhyay, Prakash Panwar, Swati Inani and Vasundhara Saxena

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Abstract

This study aims to examine farm women's awareness, utilization, and constraints related to the Farm Pond Scheme by the State Department of Agriculture. Findings from the survey of respondents revealed that approximately 55% were aware of the scheme's existence, and 53% comprehended its objectives. Conversely, a smaller portion, approximately 34%, possessed knowledge of its specific provisions. Approximately 40% of respondents reported benefiting from the scheme, indicating a noteworthy level of implementation. Analysis of constraints disclosed notable challenges, including reduced farm space due to pond installation, delayed supervisor responses, untimely subsidy disbursement, apprehensions about child safety, and perceived elevated construction costs despite subsidies. These limitations appeared to stem from factors such as limited awareness, low literacy levels, and constrained socio-economic conditions. Restricted access to banking services and difficulties posed by rocky terrain further compounded implementation challenges. The study illuminated a multifaceted landscape concerning the Farm Pond Scheme among female farmers. While a substantial proportion demonstrated awareness and participation, impediments in communication, safety concerns, and financial constraints posed barriers to optimal utilization. Mitigating these challenges necessitates targeted efforts to bolster awareness, optimize administrative processes, and offer specialized support for intricate terrains. Such actions hold the potential to enhance the scheme's efficacy, fostering sustainable agricultural advancement and socio-economic upliftment for farm women.

Keywords

Farm women, Knowledge, Benefits and Constraints, Government schemes

Conclusion

The findings presented in this study shed light on the knowledge, benefits, and constraints faced by rural women in relation to the Farm Pond Scheme (Khet Talai Nirmaan Yojana). The study revealed that more than half of the respondents were acquainted with the scheme and its objectives, which include storing rainwater to provide a consistent and reliable water supply to aid rain-fed farmers, thus reducing their vulnerability. However, the awareness levels varied across different aspects of the scheme. A substantial number of respondents were aware of the scheme's objective and its applicability to small and marginal farmers, although a smaller percentage were familiar with the subsidy provision, advantages of farm ponds, application procedures, and required documents. In terms of benefits derived from the scheme, approximately 40% of the respondents were beneficiaries of the Farm Pond Scheme. Most beneficiaries had been availing its advantages for less than 3 years, with a notable proportion receiving a subsidy that covers 60% of the cost or a maximum of Rs 63,000. The beneficiaries reported utilizing the farm ponds for various purposes, including water storage, fish farming, azolla production, and crop irrigation. Despite the benefits, the study also indicated limitations in the beneficiaries' access to other government schemes, underscoring the need for broader outreach and engagement. However, the study also illuminated several challenges faced by the respondents in availing the benefits of the Farm Pond Scheme. A substantial proportion of respondents encountered constraints such as reduction in farm area, delays in receiving responses from supervisors, and untimely receipt of subsidies. These constraints, along with concerns about cost-effectiveness and risk, were significant impediments to fully realizing the scheme's potential. It is evident that these challenges were more pronounced among respondents with limited awareness, low literacy rates, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. In conclusion, the Farm Pond Scheme has contributed to improving the livelihoods of rural women by providing them with opportunities for water storage, aquaculture, and enhanced crop irrigation. However, there are still considerable challenges that need to be addressed, particularly with regard to spreading awareness, streamlining procedures, and mitigating constraints. Bridging these gaps will require collaborative efforts involving the government, local institutions, and community stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of such schemes effectively reach the intended beneficiaries and contribute to the overall development of rural communities.

References

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How to cite this article

Riya Arya, Rajshree Uppadhyay, Prakash Panwar, Swati Inani and Vasundhara Saxena (2023). Knowledge and Benefits of Farm Pond Scheme among Farm Women of Bhilwara District. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 68-73.