Impact assessment of decentralized rainwater harvesting on agriculture: A case study of farm ponds in semi-arid areas of Rajasthan

The present study was taken up to analyze the impact of decentralized rainwater harvesting structures in semi-arid districts of Rajasthan, namely Tonk and Karauli. Adoption of these structures was found to increase the cropping intensity to as high as 190 percent from 120 percent. The crop diversification also increased towards the high value crops such as cumin. Various farm inputs usage was also found to increase under both with and without and before-after approaches. High values of benefit: cost ratio (1.9 and 2.3) and net present worth (119 and 126 thousands in both the districts) of farm pond adopted farms as compared to non-adopters confirmed the financial feasibility. Environmental benefits as decline in soil erosion, increased ground water availability and faunal activities were also perceived by adopters.