Service Story: The Tank Reduced Irrigation Concerns, Fish Farming Provided an Additional Income Path for Josmani's Family

Service Story: The tank reduced irrigation concerns, fish farming gave Josmani's family an additional income path. Service Commitment Campaign In Bakirma, a livelihood tank costing Rs 2.99 lakh is storing rainwater. Starting fish farming along with field irrigation, using sales income for the same work to move forward. Water conservation supports farming, a new source of livelihood bringing enthusiasm to the family. Raipur, a small tank built in the field has brought double hope for Mrs. Josmani Ekka’s family in Sargajha district. The rainwater that used to flow away is now being stored in the field tank. This water is used for irrigation and the family has also started fish farming in the tank. Thus this water-conservation structure not only supports farming but also creates a new avenue for extra income. In the Ambikapur development block, Gram Panchayat Bakirma resident Mrs. Josmani Ekka’s field, under the Rural Employment Scheme, had a livelihood tank constructed at a cost of Rs 2 lakh 99 thousand in her husband’s name. Sharing her “service story” under the Service Commitment Campaign, Josmani says the tank has raised expectations of benefits from both farming and fish farming. Rainwater is now stored in the field Earlier there was no arrangement to capture rainwater in the field. After the tank was built, rainwater collects in it and can be used for irrigation when needed. Having water storage on the field has made irrigation easier and revived hopes of expanding cultivation. Josmani explains that the family is making the tank multipurpose with the assistance received. One side provides water for farming, the other side has started fish farming in the same water source, creating a new livelihood option. Expectation of extra income from fish farming With fish farming started in the tank, the family now has the prospect of additional earnings. Once the fish are grown, the family will use some for their needs and sell the rest. The revenue from fish sales will be reinvested in the activity to further expand fish farming. Earlier the family had no water source for fish farming. After the tank was built they stepped into this direction for the first time. Having an additional source of income alongside farming has excited the family. Enthusiasm across the whole family Josmani says the tank and the start of fish farming have brought joy to the entire family. Members are taking interest in fish farming, and children even bring fish to the tank. With the help from the government, the family is trying to advance the activity on their own as well. Josmani said the tank gave them irrigation facilities and a new way to increase income. She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai for the assistance. Bakirma’s “service story” shows that a small structure built for water conservation in a field can become a great support for a rural family’s livelihood. The rainwater stored in the tank helps meet farming needs, while fish farming in the same water source is moving the family toward extra income.