Tank-fed agriculture has been a gamble as the tanks depends on timely and adequate monsoon. It was never as difficult earlier because in the past the villagers maintained the tanks. During deficit rainfall years and when the monsoon is delayed, the farmers in tank command areas face difficulties. To ensure a successful harvest, the farmers are now helped to sink community wells or tube wells in the water spread areas. These supplement the tank water supply.
Crop diversification is tried out – like shifting from water-intensive crops like paddy to water conserving commercial crops. This approach builds farmers’ confidence to plan their cropping pattern based on water availability. To improve the tank-fed agriculture new initiatives and experiments are encouraged.