Site Inspection for Jalkund Installation at Mawtnum Village, Meghalaya

        On 15th March 2024, the Division of Technology Assessment and Capacity Building, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, conducted a site inspection programme at Mawtnum village for the purpose of Jalkund construction. Jalkund, a low-cost micro-rainwater harvesting structure, is designed to collect and store rainwater, particularly in hill-top areas. The programme aimed to identify suitable locations for Jalkund installation and assess its potential benefits for farmers in the region.
        During the site inspection, interested farmers directed the inspection team to their farms for assessment. The inspection revealed several locations with potential for Jalkund installation, indicating the feasibility of implementing this rainwater harvesting technique in the area.
Jalkund installations at these locations could offer various benefits to farmers, including:

• Irrigation Support: Jalkund can provide life-saving irrigation during critical stages of crop growth, ensuring better crop yield and resilience to dry spells.
• Fish Rearing: The stored rainwater in Jalkund can be utilized for fish rearing, offering an additional source of income and diversification for farmers.
• Livestock and Animal Husbandry: Farmers can utilize the harvested rainwater for their animal husbandry and livestock activities, ensuring adequate water supply for their animals' needs.
• Domestic Uses: Additionally, the stored rainwater can serve domestic purposes, meeting the household water requirements of farmers and their families.

        The site inspection programme for Jalkund installation provided valuable insights into suitable locations for rainwater harvesting in Mawtnum village. The identification of potential sites for Jalkund installation paves the way for the implementation of this sustainable water management technique, offering multiple benefits to farmers in the region.
        By harnessing rainwater through Jalkund, farmers can enhance their agricultural productivity, improve water availability for various activities, and promote sustainable livelihoods. The programme highlighted the importance of adopting innovative water harvesting techniques to address water scarcity challenges and enhance agricultural resilience in hilly regions.
        The programme was coordinated by Dr. N. Uttam Singh (Senior Scientist & PI), Lutmonhaki Dkhar (Senior Research Fellow), and Wanbiang Dkhar (Project Assistant). Their coordination ensured the successful conduct of the site inspection programme and the identification of suitable locations for Jalkund installation, facilitating sustainable water management practices in the region.