European Union team impressed by efficacy of farm ponds

Impressed by the efficacy of farm ponds in saving crops in their final stages, an European Union (EU) team has suggested continuation of a water conservation and harvest project taken up with its sponsorship in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.

The team, led by EU ambassador Daniele Smadja, inspected the renovation of seven ponds, one tank and digging of farm ponds in Naripayur in Ramanathapuram district under the project being implemented by DHAN Foundation, an NGO.

The team, which also included Ambassadors of Spain Ion de La Riva and Ireland Kenneth Thompson and Consul Generals of Germany Hans-burkhard Sauerteig and France Peirre Fournier, was appreciative of the role of women's self-help Groups in
renovating three tanks, establishing or renovating seven village ponds (for drinking water purpose).

During a brief interaction the team had with project beneficiaries yesterday, Smadja said "I am very impressed by the project. Women should continue to play such a role in conserving village water bodies and be a model to their children," Smadja said.

The delegation was told how farm ponds helped save crops in the last stages,when the rains failed in the rain-fed area.

The EU sponsored programme, being implemented by DHAN foundation in collaboration with Oxfam Novib, The Netherlands based institution, aims at increasing the water harvesting and reducing desertification of this water-starved district which received goods rains during the last two monsoon seasons.