Balram Tal Yojana is an important initiative launched by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2007. It aims to provide sustainable support to agricultural activities in the region through rainwater conservation.
Why was the Scheme launched?
The water level is to be increased through the scheme. Also, farmers can get water for irrigation. Through these ponds, not only can the field be irrigated, but it also helps in increasing the water level of wells and tube wells around it.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Prevention of Drought: Rainwater stored in ponds can be used for irrigation in case of drought, which increases crop production and increases the income of farmers.
- Increase in underground Water Level: Water seeping from ponds helps to increase the underground water level, which increases the availability of water in wells and step-wells.
- Reduction in Soil Erosion: Ponds help protect the soil from erosion, thereby reducing soil erosion and improving soil fertility.
- Drinking Water for Animals: Ponds can also be used to provide drinking water to animals.
- Fish Farming: Fish farming can also be done in ponds, which gives additional income to the farmers.
Assistance under the Scheme
- Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to farmers for pond construction.
- The amount of assistance depends on the size of the pond and the carrying capacity of the farmer’s land.
- Additional assistance is provided to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Small and Marginal farmers.
Implementation of the Scheme
- The Department of Agricultural Engineering implements the scheme.
- Interested farmers can apply for the scheme online or offline.
- After the application, the departmental officer inspects the site and the assistance amount is sanctioned based on eligibility.
What are the Conditions?
- Farmers will get the benefit of the scheme only once.
- The pond will be constructed on the farmer’s land.
- Only those farmers who have installed drip or sprinklers in the financial year 2017-18 or thereafter will be eligible for this scheme and it is for working conditions.
- Construction work will not be done on leased land.
- All the above conditions will be verified by the Land Conservation Survey Officer.
What is the Method of Applying?
For this, an application has to be given to the Regional Rural Agriculture Extension Officer. Approval will be given by the District Panchayat based on the application. The amount will be sent to the farmer’s account through DBT.
- General category farmers will get 40% of the cost, a maximum of 80 thousand rupees.
- Small marginal farmers will get 50% of the cost, a maximum of 80 thousand rupees and
- Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers will get 75% of the cost, a maximum of one lakh rupees.
Conclusion
Balram Tal Yojana is a boon for farmers. This scheme not only helps in increasing agricultural production and farmers’ income but also benefits the environment.
For more information regarding the scheme:
- You can contact your nearest Agricultural Engineering Department office.
- You can also visit the official website of the scheme https://agarmalwa.nic.in/en/scheme/balram_talab_scheme/.
This scheme is one of the many important schemes of the Madhya Pradesh government dedicated to improving the living standards of farmers.
Also Read:
- Ration Aapke Gram Yojana 2021: About, Objective and Benefits
- Madhya Pradesh Dudharu Pashu Praday Yojana: Complete Info
