1. What is this item?

Water harvesting trenches are shallow, elongated pits or dugouts designed to capture and hold rainwater for slow infiltration into the ground.

• These trenches reduce surface runoff, increase groundwater recharge, and prevent soil erosion.

• They can be continuous or staggered across sloping lands or along peripheries and bunds.

In simple Gen Z lingo: They are nature's water banks 🌧️💧.

2. How is the Quantity Estimated?

• Based on area size, average rainfall, slope of land, and desired storage capacity.

• Typical guideline:

👉 1 trench per 0.25–0.5 acre for dryland farms

👉 On gentle slopes, trenches are 20–50 meters apart.

• Dimensions can vary:

👉 0.5 to 1.5 meters wide

👉 0.5 to 1 meter deep

👉 Lengths of 10–50 meters depending on layout.

3. What are the Cost Components?

• Earthwork Excavation (manual or by machine) — ₹15–₹30 per cubic foot

• Design and layout planning (minimal, but important) — ₹2,000–₹5,000 per acre

• Occasional stone pitching or lining (if trench walls are unstable) — optional

• Labor charges for digging in rocky or hard soil areas (higher)

• Maintenance cost — annual desilting or reshaping after monsoons

4. Going Rates & How Unit Cost is Calculated

• Machine Dug Trench:

👉 ₹25–₹40 per running meter for basic excavation

• Manual Dug Trench (rocky terrain):

👉 ₹50–₹80 per running meter

• Stone pitched trenches (if needed):

👉 ₹150–₹250 per meter extra

• Overall: Budget ₹20,000–₹60,000 per hectare for a good trenching layout.

(And trust me Mukesh, these pay back in crop yields, tree survival, and soil health over just 2–3 years 🚀.)

⚡Pro Tip:

Design your trench system to merge into farm ponds or recharge pits.

Think of it like channeling your Insta followers into your YouTube page — maximize that engagement! 😂