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Not Available ; Organic Farming has emerged as an important priority area globally in view of the growing demand for safe and healthy food and concerns on environmental pollution associated with the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals. Though the use of chemical inputs in agriculture is inevitable to meet the growing demand for food in India, there are opportunities in selected crops and niche areas where organic production could be encouraged to tap the domestic and export markets. Keeping this in view, the Government of India initiated the National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) in Xth Five Year Plan under which many promotional and policy initiatives were taken up. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also initiated a network project on organic farming and data is being generated on the feasibility and economics of organic production of important crops in various agro-ecological regions of the country. Farmers in rainfed areas grow a large variety of crops with negligible inputs. Through proper training and organization of farmers groups, some of the areas and crops with good market potential can be encouraged to go organic. However, there exist several research gaps both in nutrient and pest management in different production systems which need to be bridged to enable farmers to produce crops organically. The main challenge is to evolve a package of practices by using inputs permitted in certified organic farming without compromising on the yield levels. I am happy to note that CRIDA has organized a Winter School on Organic Farming in Rainfed Agriculture during November 1-21, 2007 during which a large number expert faculty shared their experiences. The invited papers from the faculty have been reviewed and brought out in the form of a book by Dr. B. Venkateswarlu, the Course Director and his colleagues. This book contains very useful information on the scope of organic farming in different rainfed crops and cropping systems, opportunities in nutrient management through green leaf manuring, bio-fertilizers, vermicompost and other permitted inputs, role of cropping systems in soil fertility build up; use of bio-pesticides and bio-agents for non-chemical pest management, organic horticulture, dairy farming, policy and promotional activities in different states and certification aspects of organic farming. I am confident that this publication will be useful to researchers, development department officials, extension staff, policy makers and all those interested in organic farming ; Not Available

Not Available ; I. History of Rainfed Agriculture A. Pre-Independence period From time immemorial, the chief form of agriculture in the dryland tracts of India was cultivation of drought resistant crops viz., millets for food and fodder. It used to be a gamble with rainfall. During good rainfall years, the hardships of farmers seem to have been mitigated, as surplus grain and fodder were available. But, as water is the most important single factor of crop production, the inadequacy (200-800 mm/year) and extremely uncertainty (cv: 60-70%) of rainfall often caused partial or complete failure of crops leading to periodic food scarcities and famines. Drought was a frequent phenomenon. These factors made the economic life of the dryland cultivator extremely difficult and insecure. To address these issues, the Government of India appointed the First Famine Commission in 1880. The Commission recommended creation of protective irrigation projects in the dry tracts. However, irrigation in scarcity tracts of Madras, Bombay, Mysore and Hyderabad provinces was possible only to a limited extent. Thus, most of the scarcity tracts of south and some in north India had to depend on rainfall for crop production (Kanitkar et al., 1968). The first systematic and scientific approach to the problem of dry farming was attempted only in 1923 to eradicate drought related problems. Dr H.H.Mann, the then Director of Agriculture, in consultation with Shri C.V.Mehta, the then Minister for Agriculture, Bombay Province, initiated research on dry farming on a small plot at Manjari Farm, near Pune, under the leadership of Shri V.A.Tamhane, the then Soil Physicist to the Government of Bombay. After the transfer of Shri Tamhane in 1926, Dr N.V.Kanitkar took up the responsibility. --- ; Not Available

Not Available ; Increasing evidence over the past few decades indicate that significant changes in climate are taking place worldwide as a result of enhanced human activities. The inventions that were discovered during last few centuries, more so in the last century has altered the concentration of atmospheric constituents that lead to global warming. The major cause to climate change has been ascribed to the increased levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxides (NO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) beyond their natural levels due to the uncontrolled activities such as burning of fossil fuels, increased use of refrigerants, and enhanced agricultural related practices. These activities accelerated the processes of climate change and increased the mean global temperatures by 0.6°C during the past 100 years, a phenomenon known as global warming. It has also induced increased climatic variability and occurrence of extreme weather events in many parts of the world. Studies indicate that the years viz., 1997, 1998 and 1999 during the past century, recorded more warmer conditions across the globe, and the process continued in this decade also. Summer 2002 and 2003 were declared as warmest years on record by NOAA especially in the Asian sub continent and in Europe where the temperatures remained extremely high for long periods resulting in death of 20,000 human populations in Europe alone. Scientists attribute this to a long-term warming trend over the globe. In large part of Asia, agricultural production is mainly dependent on the monsoonal rains. Evidences also indicate that large-scale climatic variations are prevalent at micro-regional level influencing the rainfall distribution in different parts of Asia. The causes of these regional climate changes vary from global to region level. It is evident that there was, there is and there will be climate variability at global, regional and local levels. Since climate is closely related to human activities and economic development including agricultural system, there is a serious concern about its stability (Sinha et al., 2000). The awareness of the magnitude of the impact of climate change on society by the various governments led to adoption of an International Convention on Climate Change by United Nations in 1992. Article 2 of this convention called the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) makes two relevant stipulations relevant and important to agriculture, which is (a) prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climatic system, and (b) to ensure that food production is not threatened. The two are related and need in-depth analysis. The global climate system is a consequence of a link between the atmosphere, the oceans, the biosphere, the cryosphere, and the geosphere and any change to this system produced by forcing agents - results in climate change. Some of the atmospheric constituents such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are transparent to short wave solar radiation and opaque to 331 long wave radiation emitted by earths surface, thus, trapping the heat from sunlight near the Earth's surface known popularly as green house effect. This effect keeps the planet 33°C warmer than it would otherwise be, allowing the earth to support life. With the advent of the industrial revolution, there has been a tremendous growth in the fossil-fuel utilization leading to increased carbon dioxide emissions over the globe especially since 1950s. In addition to this, the emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chlorine and bromine compounds used in refrigeration and other industrial uses not only have an impact on the radiative forcing, but also have led to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Land-use change, due to urbanization and deforestation and agricultural practices, affect the physical and biological properties of the Earth's surface. Such effects also change the radiative forcing and have a potential impact on regional and global climate ; Not Available

Not Available ; Introduction The rainfed agro ecosystem in India covers arid, semi arid and sub humid zones which represents more than 70% of the geographical area. Sixty six percent of the 142 m.ha. cultivated area is rainfed. Unlike irrigated areas where homogenous, high intensive cropping systems are common, rainfed farming systems are more diverse and heterogenous. Coarse cereals, pulses, oilseeds and cotton are the major cropping systems. Livestock farming plays an important role in farmer's livelihood. Historically, rainfed farmers followed a low intensive sustainable farming system with excellent integration of crops-trees-pastures and livestock. However, from 70s, with the introduction of hybrids and high yielding varieties particularly in sorghum, pearlmillet and oilseeds, a shift of cropping pattern towards monoculture took place and a corresponding increase in the use of chemical inputs in crop production. The various developmental schemes of the Government of India under different missions have also contributed towards increased use of chemical inputs and higher production. Rainfed Agriculture : Low Input Farming However, the vast majority of rainfed farmers in remote areas still practice low external input or no external input farming which is well integrated with livestock, particularly small ruminants. The average use of chemical fertilizers in rainfed areas based on a survey of non irrigated SAT districts was found to be 18.5 kg as against 58 kg in the irrigated districts (Katyal and Reddy, 1997). Based on several surveys and reports, it is estimated that upto 30% of the rainfed farmers in many remote areas of the country do not use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Thus, many resource poor farmers are practicing organic farming by default. The Government of India task force on organic farming and several other reviewers have identified rainfed areas and regions in north east as more suitable for organic farming in view of the low input use (GOI, 2001; Dwivedi 2005; Ramesh et al 2005). ; Not Available

India is a vast country with total geographical area of 328 million hectares (Mha) and a net sown area of 142 Mha. Out of this, over 85 Mha is under rainfed cultivation which is the domain of Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), a constituent of ICAR, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The government has assigned top priority for developing rainfed agriculture under the XII Five Year Plan through the use of biotechnology and declaring a National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. ; ICAR-CRIDA

Bei einer Beschreibung des Regenfeldbaus (Voraussetzungen, Hindernisse, angewandte Techniken, Regierungsinterventionen, Entwicklungsprogramme) kann nicht außer acht gelassen werden, daß in Gambia Regenfeldbau und Bewässerungsanbau im Zusammenhang gesehen werden müssen. Die vorgeschlagenen Maßnahmen betreffen ausschließlich mittel- und langfristige Entscheidungen. Sie basieren darauf, daß im gesamten öffentlichen Sektor der politische Wille dazu besteht, die Effizienz aller Institutionen zu steigern, die im landwirtschaftlichen Sektor tätig sind. Des weiteren ist eine angemessene Landwirtschaftspolitik (z.B. Produzentenpreise) erforderlich sowie Bemühungen, die staatlichen Ausgaben zu effektivieren. (DÜI-Wgm)

The study of agriculture practiced by the Mixtec people, or "the people of the rain" ( Ñuu savi ), in the highlands of southern Mexico reveals successful adaptation strategies for growing rainfed crops in an unpredictable and ever changing climate. Both culture and environment have been shaped by a long and challenging history, which continues to bear relevance in this era of globalization and climate change.My research from 2009 – 2011 focused on farmer strategies for dealing with climatic variability in the Mixteca Alta Region of Oaxaca, Mexico. It was the product of a close collaboration with the farmer-to-farmer training network, the Center for Integrated Small Farmer Development of the Mixteca Alta ( Centro de Desarrollo Integral Campesino de la Mixteca Alta , CEDICAM). I was impressed by the depth of farmer knowledge about sustainable agriculture. In fact, what appeared lacking was the grassroots mobilization and political action needed to foster dignified rural livelihoods and environmental stewardship. This topic deserves much greater attention in future research by agroecologists.My dissertation is organized in four chapters. Chapter 1 contextualizes my research by examining farming traditions of the Mixteca Alta that originated in different historical moments. I also provide a summary of the political economy of labor and sustainable farming.Chapter 2 examines the social, environmental, and cultural conditions of farming in the Mixteca Alta. Based on in-depth interviews with farmers from two communities, I trace how changes in farming systems has reflected both traditions of farming and an increasingly globalized economy.I found that a combination of agroecological strategies were important for families to approach self-sufficiency in grain production under highly variable rainfall conditions. Important changes in cropping systems were occurring, particularly shifts towards more precocious crop varieties. It appears that changes in cropping systems have been the result of social disintegration, soil degradation, and climatic changes.The farmers that I interviewed understood the ecology of their systems. However, were not necessarily farming sustainably. Shift in farming systems were concentrating agricultural labor into the rainy season, thus allowing farmers to work outside their communities for several months during the dry season. While such changes were ostensibly be intended to save labor, they may in fact accomplish the exact opposite. New farming could potentially increase costs in terms of time and money for families, thus diverting attention away from sustainable agricultural practices. Stemming the labor squeeze from farming regions such as the Mixteca Alta likely will require concerted political action, including grassroots mobilization.Chapter 3 describes participatory research with farmers in the CEDICAM network, as well as climatic studies, that aimed to place climate change mitigation and adaptation into the hands of small farmers. I facilitated workshops in which groups of small farmers described how they had adapted to and prepared for past climate challenges. Farmers reported that their cropping systems were changing for multiple reasons: more drought, later rainfall onset, decreased rural labor, and labor-saving technologies. Examination of climate data found that farmers' climate narratives were largely consistent with formal climatology data products. There have been increases in temperature and rainfall intensity, and an increase in rainfall seasonality that is likely perceived by farmers as later rainfall onset.Farmers identified 14 indicators that they subsequently used to evaluate the condition of their agroecosystems. Farmers ranked landscape-scale indicators as more marginal than farmer management or soil quality indicators. From this analysis, farmers proposed strategies to improve the ability of their agroecosystems to cope with climatic variability. Their recommendations, as well as the methodology used in the workshops, holds relevance for farmers and their allies. Notably, they recognized that social organizing and education are required for landscape-level indicators to be improved. This outcome suggests thatclimate change adaptation by small farmers involves much more than just a set of farming practices, but also community action to tackle collective problems.I conclude with Chapter 4, which highlights CEDICAM's contribution to mobilizing farmers in the Mixteca Alta region. They are taking action to reforest territories and advance agroecological farming. This chapter also reflects on how collaborative research outcomes contributed to CEDICAM's future outlook on farmer led research. CEDICAM was particularly interested in improving soil cover management and crop selection. CEDICAM as a network continues to promote the social conditions for agroecology to flourish.

Not Available ; Increasing evidence over the past few decades indicate that significant changes in climate are taking place worldwide as a result of enhanced human activities. The inventions that were discovered during last few centuries, more so in the last century has altered the concentration of atmospheric constituents that lead to global warming. The major cause to climate change has been ascribed to the increased levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxides (NO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) beyond their natural levels due to the uncontrolled activities such as burning of fossil fuels, increased use of refrigerants, and enhanced agricultural related practices. These activities accelerated the processes of climate change and increased the mean global temperatures by 0.6°C during the past 100 years, a phenomenon known as global warming. It has also induced increased climatic variability and occurrence of extreme weather events in many parts of the world. Studies indicate that the years viz., 1997, 1998 and 1999 during the past century, recorded more warmer conditions across the globe, and the process continued in this decade also. Summer 2002 and 2003 were declared as warmest years on record by NOAA especially in the Asian sub continent and in Europe where the temperatures remained extremely high for long periods resulting in death of 20,000 human populations in Europe alone. Scientists attribute this to a long-term warming trend over the globe. In large part of Asia, agricultural production is mainly dependent on the monsoonal rains. Evidences also indicate that large-scale climatic variations are prevalent at micro-regional level influencing the rainfall distribution in different parts of Asia. The causes of these regional climate changes vary from global to region level. It is evident that there was, there is and there will be climate variability at global, regional and local levels. Since climate is closely related to human activities and economic development including agricultural system, there is a serious concern about its stability (Sinha et al., 2000). The awareness of the magnitude of the impact of climate change on society by the various governments led to adoption of an International Convention on Climate Change by United Nations in 1992. Article 2 of this convention called the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) makes two relevant stipulations relevant and important to agriculture, which is (a) prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climatic system, and (b) to ensure that food production is not threatened. The two are related and need in-depth analysis. The global climate system is a consequence of a link between the atmosphere, the oceans, the biosphere, the cryosphere, and the geosphere and any change to this system produced by forcing agents - results in climate change. Some of the atmospheric constituents such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are transparent to short wave solar radiation and opaque to 331 long wave radiation emitted by earths surface, thus, trapping the heat from sunlight near the Earth's surface known popularly as green house effect. This effect keeps the planet 33°C warmer than it would otherwise be, allowing the earth to support life. With the advent of the industrial revolution, there has been a tremendous growth in the fossil-fuel utilization leading to increased carbon dioxide emissions over the globe especially since 1950s. In addition to this, the emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chlorine and bromine compounds used in refrigeration and other industrial uses not only have an impact on the radiative forcing, but also have led to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Land-use change, due to urbanization and deforestation and agricultural practices, affect the physical and biological properties of the Earth's surface. Such effects also change the radiative forcing and have a potential impact on regional and global climate. ; Not Available

Not Available ; Worldwide, more than 80 percent of the cropped area depends on rainfall alone. Rainfed agriculture is practiced in almost all hydroclimatic zones, and can be highly productive. However, in many dry subhumid regions, tropical semiarid and arid regions, as well as in some temperate regions yields tend to be relatively low. With highly variable rainfall, long dry seasons, recurrent droughts and dry spells as well as floods, water tends to be a key constraint for agricultural production systems in these regions. Especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 96 percent of the cropland is rainfed, erratic and sparse rainfall often combines with arid conditions, high temperatures, and shallow soils with poor nutrient status to provide extremely uncertain conditions for agriculture. Farmers, and especially the poor, are intrinsically risk-averse, and in these conditions they tend to adopt low-input strategies with limited yield potential even in good rainfall years. The need to improve water management in water-constrained rainfed areas is often emphasized. In particular by increasing timely water availability and the water uptake of crops, yields can be significantly enhanced and agricultural productivity improved. Research has shown that better water management, coupled with improved soil and crop management, can more than double agricultural productivity in rainfed areas with currently low yields. With climate change and increasing food prices, even more emphasis needs to be placed on addressing water management in rainfed agriculture as a key determinant for agricultural production and productivity. However, governments and donors have tended to pay relatively little attention to this area, and investments remain low. During the last decade, for example, commitments to improving water management in rainfed agriculture in World Bank-supported projects amounted to less than 15 percent of the commitments to the irrigation and drainage subsector. Improvements in agricultural water management can be categorized into four broad approaches (one physical and three non-physical), with each comprising a variety of measures. The most usual approach comprises soil and water management techniques, including structural measures (such as stone barriers, bunds or terraces) and in-field or agronomic practices (such as mulching, fertilizing, intercropping, crop rotation, agroforestry and reduced tillage). ; Not Available

Not Available ; Rainfed agriculture constitutes 55% of net sown area in the country. The annual average rainfall of the country varies from 400 to more than 2000mm varying in both space and time. In low to medium rainfall rainfed regions, the occurrence of high intense rainfall events with the short duration are very common causing the soil erosion. Hence, the efficient rain water management is necessary to improve water productivity and protect the natural resource base in rainfed regions. Farm pond technology has very good potential for implementation in different schemes of state or central government. The present technical bulletin addresses the issues based on practical experiences with respect to planning, design and construction of farm ponds. The authors are indeed grateful to Dr. A. K. Singh, DDG (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi, for his constructive suggestions during his visit to GRF. We are also thankful to Dr G. R. Korwar, Head, Division of Resource Management, CRIDA, Hyderabad for his guidance and cooperation for undertaking the construction of farm ponds at Gunegal Research Farm. Some of the Scientists namely Dr. V. Maruthi, PS (Agronomy), Dr. Gopal Krishna Reddy, Scientist (Horticulture), Dr. P. K. Mishra, Director, CSWCRTI, Dehradun, have provided data related to critical stages and rainfall for whom we are thankful and grateful. We also acknowledge the support and suggestions in pond lining given by Er. G. V. Ramana Reddy, M/s Sagar Agro Services Centre, Nalgonda. We are also indebted to the field personal working at Gunegal Research Farm, namely Sri V. Sreeramulu, Farm Superintendent (T9), A. Chandraiah, (T3), Sri B. Kurmaiah, Field Technician (T1), K. Rajeshwar, (T1), P. Ramakrishna, Skilled worker and other staff like SSGs, Temporary staffs labours etc for their whole hearted support and cooperation in the execution and lining of farm ponds at GRF. Lastly, the authors acknowledge the support and encouragement given by the Director, CRIDA and Principal Investigator, NICRA project. The support and help rendered by the administrative staff and finance departmental staff for publication of the present bulletin is fully acknowledged. ; Not Available

Not Available ; Rainfed agriculture constitutes 55% of net sown area in the country. The annual average rainfall of the country varies from 400 to more than 2000mm varying in both space and time. In low to medium rainfall rainfed regions, the occurrence of high intense rainfall events with the short duration are very common causing the soil erosion. Hence, the efficient rain water management is necessary to improve water productivity and protect the natural resource base in rainfed regions. Farm pond technology has very good potential for implementation in different schemes of state or central government. The present technical bulletin addresses the issues based on practical experiences with respect to planning, design and construction of farm ponds. The authors are indeed grateful to Dr. A. K. Singh, DDG (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi, for his constructive suggestions during his visit to GRF. We are also thankful to Dr G. R. Korwar, Head, Division of Resource Management, CRIDA, Hyderabad for his guidance and cooperation for undertaking the construction of farm ponds at Gunegal Research Farm. Some of the Scientists namely Dr. V. Maruthi, PS (Agronomy), Dr. Gopal Krishna Reddy, Scientist (Horticulture), Dr. P. K. Mishra, Director, CSWCRTI, Dehradun, have provided data related to critical stages and rainfall for whom we are thankful and grateful. We also acknowledge the support and suggestions in pond lining given by Er. G. V. Ramana Reddy, M/s Sagar Agro Services Centre, Nalgonda. We are also indebted to the field personal working at Gunegal Research Farm, namely Sri V. Sreeramulu, Farm Superintendent (T9), A. Chandraiah, (T3), Sri B. Kurmaiah, Field Technician (T1), K. Rajeshwar, (T1), P. Ramakrishna, Skilled worker and other staff like SSGs, Temporary staffs labours etc for their whole hearted support and cooperation in the execution and lining of farm ponds at GRF. Lastly, the authors acknowledge the support and encouragement given by the Director, CRIDA and Principal Investigator, NICRA project. The support and help rendered by the administrative staff and finance departmental staff for publication of the present bulletin is fully acknowledged. from 400 to more than 2000mm varying in both space and time. In low to medium rainfall rainfed regions, the occurrence of high intense rainfall events with the short duration are very common causing the soil erosion. Hence, the efficient rain water management is necessary to improve water productivity and protect the natural resource base in rainfed regions. Farm pond technology has very good potential for implementation in different schemes of state or central government. The present technical bulletin addresses the issues based on practical experiences with respect to planning, design and construction of farm ponds. The authors are indeed grateful to Dr. A. K. Singh, DDG (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi, for his constructive suggestions during his visit to GRF. We are also thankful to Dr G. R. Korwar, Head, Division of Resource Management, CRIDA, Hyderabad for his guidance and cooperation for undertaking the construction of farm ponds at Gunegal Research Farm. Some of the Scientists namely Dr. V. Maruthi, PS (Agronomy), Dr. Gopal Krishna Reddy, Scientist (Horticulture), Dr. P. K. Mishra, Director, CSWCRTI, Dehradun, have provided data related to critical stages and rainfall for whom we are thankful and grateful. We also acknowledge the support and suggestions in pond lining given by Er. G. V. Ramana Reddy, M/s Sagar Agro Services Centre, Nalgonda. We are also indebted to the field personal working at Gunegal Research Farm, namely Sri V. Sreeramulu, Farm Superintendent (T9), A. Chandraiah, (T3), Sri B. Kurmaiah, Field Technician (T1), K. Rajeshwar, (T1), P. Ramakrishna, Skilled worker and other staff like SSGs, Temporary staffs labours etc for their whole hearted support and cooperation in the execution and lining of farm ponds at GRF. Lastly, the authors acknowledge the support and encouragement given by the Director, CRIDA and Principal Investigator, NICRA project. The support and help rendered by the administrative staff and finance departmental staff for publication of the present bulletin is fully acknowledged. ; Not Available

Not Available ; Rainfall is a basic resource for all the forms of water in semi arid tropics of India. Though the annual average rainfall of the country is 1200 mm, it varies in both space and time affecting the availability of water for different sectors. India uses 80% of the available water in agriculture keeping the remaining 20% for drinking, industry and energy sectors. The growing population puts tremendous pressure on the water resources. The annual per capita water availability has decreased from 5000 m3 in 1950 to 1300 m3 in 2010 and projected to decrease further to below 1000 m3 by 2025 (MOWR,2011). Added to this, the country may face climate change in future predicting more frequent floods, droughts, extreme events of rainfall etc. with increased temperature (IPCC, 2007). The food grain production in India is contributed by irrigated and rainfed areas by 60% and 40% respectively. Irrigated areas have reached plateau in the yield but rainfed areas are considered to offer future scope for increasing food production. Rainfed area with 55% net cultivated area contribute 40% of food grains and support 60% of livestock population (NRAA,2011). Most of the pulse and oil seeds production (80%) comes from rainfed areas. Rainfed areas suffer from severe land degradation and poor socio economic base of farmers. Several management options are available at the farm scale to increase rainfall use efficiency. Some of these are management of crop residues to improve infiltration and reduce sediment levels, construction of farm ponds for collection of excess rainfall flowing from the farm area, crop rotations and soil amendments (Freebairn et al., 1986). Several researchers have shown that on-farm runoff collection into dugout farm ponds and supplemental irrigation can increase and stabilize the crop production (Krishna et al., 1987). There is an abundant scope and opportunity for harvesting excess runoff in the rainfed region in different states of the country (Wani, et al., 2003, Sharma et al, 2009). Government of India has introduced several schemes to improve the surface water availability in irrigated and rainfed areas for enhancing the productivity FARM PONDS 10 and ground water recharge. Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) has been implemented successfully in most of the rainfed regions of the country with major objective of the stabilizing crop production by controlling soil erosion in arable and non-arable lands. Among several interventions, farm pond is the most important and promissing technology in the integrated water shed management program with other environmental benefits. Farm ponds would help the farmers for on farm water management by using stored water for tackling the drought or dryspells during the season which are common as given in Table1. Considering the need and the current emphasis on on-farm rain water harvesting for enhancing water productivity in rainfed regions by the Govt of India, the present technical bulletin on Farm Ponds: Planning, design and construction is brought out based on field experiences by CRIDA for the benefit of the implementing agencies working in IWMP, State Govt depts, NGO's, SAU's. The bulletin describes a practical approach for designing and construction of a farm pond. ; Not Available