India, Oct. 1 -- Farmers in Madhya Pradesh's water-scarce Dewas district have built an estimated 30,000-35,000 farm ponds since 2006, improving rainwater storage and irrigation security.

The ponds have helped farmers diversify into wheat, oilseeds, chia seeds, dairy farming and fisheries, generating substantial additional income.

The initiative began with support from the district administration, which provided technical guidance and helped farmers access bank loans.

However, smaller farmers often cannot afford to set aside cultivable land for ponds, leaving the benefits unevenly distributed.

Despite widespread rainwater harvesting, groundwater extraction remains high, raising questions about the model's long-term sustainability.

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