RAINWATER CONSERVATION FOR ENHANCEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SAGAR ISLAND OF SUNDARBAN REGION IN INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

The economy of the largest Sagar Island under Sundarban region is primarily based on agriculture. The lands are able to produce single crop once in a year due to irregular and scanty rainfall. Groundwater occurring in shallow aquifer (within 50 m bgl) is totally saline due to typical hydrogeological/hydrogeochemical situation. Deep tube wells>300 m depth yields fresh water suitable for irrigation, farmers could not afford. Surface irrigation is based on the existing ponds and canals. Most households have ponds are to store substantial amount of rainwater during monsoon. Storage capacity of these water bodies became insufficient due to siltation. In this context, rainwater conservation by the existing ponds and canals could be alternate option to develop the agricultural growth. Storage capacity of theses existing water bodies could be increased through renovation/ rejuvenation. Fresh groundwater available at deeper depth should be restricted to drinking purpose. Shallow tube wells, could be used for domestic purposes. Conserved water could be used for irrigation purpose during non-monsoon season. The initiatives have already been undertaken to construct various rainwater conservation structures includes reservoirs, ponds and protective bunds. Efficient conserevational measures helped to transform agricultural lands into multiple crops. The cropping intensity increased up to 131%. Income of the people has been increased to a considerable extent. In this way, rainwater conservation helped to improve the socio-economic status of the poor farmers