Water is the biggest requirement in agricultural work. It is very important to have enough water for irrigation in the fields, especially in those areas where rainfall is irregular or less. At such a time, making a water tank for agriculture is a great solution for farmers. This not only saves water, but crops are also irrigated on time. In this blog we will understand in detail – Why is a water tank necessary for agriculture, Process of making a tank (Step by Step), What things to keep in mind, Benefits and uses of tanks.
Why is a water tank needed for agriculture?
Most of the farmers in India depend on rain water. But sometimes the rain does not happen on time or is less, which spoils the crop. To avoid this problem, farmers can make Water Tank for Agriculture in their field.
Main reasons –
- Storing rain water
- Safety of water extracted from tubewell/borewell
- Help in irrigation during drought
- Preventing wastage of water
- Providing water to crops throughout the year
How to Build Water Tank For Agriculture – Making Process
Now let’s talk about the most important part – how can farmers build an agriculture water tank in their farm?
1. Choose the place
- Choose a place in the field which is in the middle, so that water can easily reach all around.
- The land should be flat and strong.
- A place with natural flow of water (rainwater harvesting) is the best.
2. Decide the size and capacity of the tank
- Decide the size of the tank according to the size of the farm and the need for irrigation.
- For a small farm, a tank of 50,000 – 1,00,000 liters is sufficient.
- For large farms, a tank of up to 5,00,000 liters can be built.
3. Excavation
- First of all, a pit is dug at the marked place.
- The depth is usually kept between 10 and 15 feet.
- The width and length are kept according to the requirement of the field.
4. Prepare the base
- Put a layer of stone and brick at the bottom of the pit.
- Strengthen the foundation by adding a thick layer of cement and concrete on top.
5. Build the walls
- Build the walls of the tank using brick, stone or RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete).
- Plaster the walls from inside with waterproof cement so that water does not leak.
6. Install water inlet and outlet
- Connect the pipe to bring rain water.
- Install outlet pipe or motor pump for irrigation.
7. Lid or cover
- Make arrangements to cover the tank so that the water does not get dirty.
- The lid also prevents mosquitoes and other organisms from breeding.
- Things to keep in mind while constructing an agricultural water tank
- Always construct the tank at a higher place so that the water can flow downwards on its own.
- Keep cleaning the tank from time to time.
- There should not be any kind of crack in the walls, otherwise water can leak.
- To save cost, you can also opt for a plastic/HDPE tank or prefabricated tank.
- Take advantage of government schemes and subsidies (assistance is given on water conservation schemes in many states).
Benefits of agricultural water tank
- Saving water – Rain water can be collected in the tank and used for the future.
- Convenience in irrigation – Water can be easily transported to the crop through motor pump or pipe.
- Water available throughout the year – Irrigation can be done from the tank even in drought or summer.
- Increase in crop production – Timely irrigation increases the quality and production of the crop.
- Preventing wastage of water – Water left in the open gets reduced due to evaporation, but remains safe in the tank.
- Benefit of government subsidy – In many places, the government gives subsidy on tank construction, which reduces the cost.
- Long-lasting – RCC or HDPE tanks work for a long time without breaking down.
Cost of building agricultural water tank
The cost of building the tank depends on its size and material.
- Small tank (up to 50,000 liters) – ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000
- Medium tank (1–2 lakh liters) – ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000
- Large tank (up to 5 lakh liters) – ₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000
If farmers take advantage of the government scheme, they can get subsidies of up to 30–50%.
Conclusion
The water problem has always been there in agriculture. But if farmers understand how to build Water Tank For Agriculture correctly and build a water tank in the field, they can keep their crops safe throughout the year. This will not only save water but will also increase the profit in farming.
Uplex Infra Project Pvt. Ltd provides modern and sustainable water tank solutions for farmers. If you also want to build an agricultural water tank for your farm, then work with the right planning and expert guidance.
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