Role of Farm Ponds under Climatic Variability: Evidence from Sangola Taluka of Solapur District

Abstract Sangola Taluka of Solapur District is a semi-arid and drought-prone region characterized by low and highly variable rainfall, which poses serious challenges to agricultural sustainability. This study examines the pattern of climatic variability and evaluates the role of farm ponds in supporting agriculture under such conditions during the period 2000–01 to 2020–21. The study is based on secondary data related to rainfall variability and the growth of farm ponds collected from district statistical records and agricultural department reports. Descriptive statistical techniques and trend analysis are used for interpretation. The findings reveal significant inter-annual rainfall variability and a steady increase in the number of farm ponds as an adaptive response to climatic stress. The study concludes that farm ponds play an important supportive role in enhancing agricultural stability under variable climatic conditions.