Previously, there were instances in the Bundhelkhand region where trains had to be sent to provide drinking water. However, thanks to the 'Khet Talab' (Holding-pond) program implemented by the Uttar Pradesh government, the face of agriculture in the Mataundha Banda area is changing. Farmers are now collecting rainwater directly on their fields and using it for crop irrigation when necessary. This change is clearly visible in the fields: where there was previously a risk of drying up due to water shortage, lush greenery is now observed.
During an investigation by Aaj Tak, a similar picture was captured in the Mataundha Banda area. Until recently, farmers relied solely on rainfall. If the rains were sufficient, the harvest was saved, but otherwise, it became extremely difficult to cover costs. Water scarcity posed a serious problem for crops such as wheat, rice, mustard, peas, and beans. The situation became so severe that some farmers had to abandon agriculture and move away.
Under the 'Khet Talab' program of the Uttar Pradesh government, farmers have the opportunity to build ponds on their plots. To do this, they must apply through the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture portal. After verification by the department, eligible farmers are provided with a subsidy of up to 50% of the pond construction cost, with a maximum amount of 52,500 rupees. This amount is paid in two installments.
Rainwater enters the collected pond, which the farmer then uses to irrigate the crops. To simplify the irrigation process, the department also provides subsidies for elements such as pipes and sprinklers. Thus, rainwater does not run off the field but remains on it, becoming available for the needs of the harvest.
Farmers note that previously, with dependence on rain, there was no guarantee of income. Often, even after harvesting, it was difficult to recoup the initial investment. Now, thanks to the presence of a water reserve on the field, farmers are engaging in agriculture with greater confidence. One farmer reported that previously, a good harvest was considered a sale worth between 15 to 50 thousand rupees. Now, sales reach from 2 to 3 lakh rupees, and large farmers can earn an income of 5 to 6 lakh rupees per harvest, depending on the land and crop.
According to land conservation officer Abhairaj, the 'Khet Talab' program has helped farmers secure water for irrigation. This year, the target for providing benefits under this program in Banda is set at 255 farmers, and the process has already begun. He emphasized that collecting rainwater in ponds on fields allows it to be used for subsequent irrigation.
Amit Aseri, Director for Banda affairs, stated that agricultural programs of the central and state governments are being implemented locally. The goal of the 'Khet Talab' program is to keep the water on the field. According to him, more than 4,800 farmers in Banda have already benefited from this program, and he asserts that this has contributed to increasing farmers' incomes.
Water scarcity has long been a serious problem for agriculture in Bundhelkhand. The ponds built on the fields of Banda now retain rainwater, which supports the harvest during critical moments. For farmers, this change means not only visible greenery in the fields but also strengthening their confidence in agriculture.