Concrete Check Dam: Impact on Food Production

A concrete check dam is a small, permanent structure placed across a drainage ditch, swale, or minor stream to reduce water velocity and provide significant environmental and agricultural benefits. At Agoya village, a concrete check dam measuring 300 feet in length and 40 feet in width has been erected across the existing stream. The initiative was finalised with an expenditure of around 75 lakh rupees in partnership with the Watershed unit from the Birbhum District. This dam covers an expanse of nearly 1 kilometre, offering irrigation support to about 994 bighas (142 hectares) of agricultural land from three nearby villages: Agoya, Dwarpahari, and Gariyal. In total, 400 farmers are receiving irrigation assistance during three growing seasons.