Innovative Rainwater Practices Revive Agriculture and Livelihoods in Andhra Pradesh Villages

Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, April 9, 2026: Villages in Prakasam district, including Murugummi, Marella, and Thangella, have experienced a remarkable transformation thanks to locally driven rainwater conservation efforts. Under the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari program, communities have taken ownership of water resources, boosting groundwater levels and stabilizing agricultural productivity while reducing seasonal migration.

For years, these villages struggled with irregular rainfall, depleted groundwater, and frequent borewell failures, which severely impacted farming and daily life. The tide began to turn when residents engaged actively through village meetings, awareness campaigns, cultural street performances, and practical field demonstrations. Farmers, youth, and women collectively embraced water management practices, including coordinated crop planning and equitable groundwater sharing, fostering a culture of collective responsibility.

The interventions followed a ridge-to-valley approach, combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to capture and store rainwater efficiently. Villages invested in structures like percolation tanks, farm ponds, staggered trenches, and rooftop harvesting systems. Murugummi built 71 structures with a total capacity exceeding eight lakh cubic metres, providing irrigation to over 260 hectares. Marella implemented 53 structures complemented by restored community ponds, while Thangella revived traditional water bodies in addition to constructing new storage systems, ensuring water access for agriculture and livestock.

These efforts have had wide-ranging benefits. Groundwater availability now supports nearly 6,000 residents for drinking, irrigation, and dairy purposes. Farmers report higher yields due to protective irrigation, and increased water access has strengthened dairy operations, providing additional income streams for households. Improved soil moisture has stabilized cropping patterns, while more reliable livelihoods have reduced the need for families to migrate during dry periods.

The success of these programs has earned national recognition. Murugummi received the Second-Best Village Panchayat Award at the 6th National Water Awards, while Marella and Thangella were also shortlisted for national accolades. The achievements highlight how community-led initiatives can create replicable models for sustainable water management across water-stressed regions.

The Prakasam experience demonstrates that when communities take the lead, combining local knowledge with structured conservation efforts, it is possible to restore water security, improve agricultural resilience, and strengthen rural livelihoods, offering a blueprint for other districts facing similar challenges

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