However, the size of the pond depends on the topography and the environment as follows:
- If the land is to be used for cultivation that relies on rainwater, then the pond should be deep to prevent water from evaporating too much, so there will be enough water for the whole year.
- If the land is in an irrigated area, then the pond can be deep or shallow, and narrow or wide as may be suitable, since there is a continual supply of water.
The reason for the pond is for the farmers to have water for use all year round on a regular basis (His Majesty calls this a ‘regulator,’ meaning a good control with a continual water circulation system for cultivation), especially in the dry season and during dry spells. However, it does not mean that farmers can grow off- season paddy since if the amount of water in the pond is insufficient, then water has to be conveyed from a nearby dam, if there is one, which may cause the water in the dam to be depleted. Farmers should grow rice in the rainy season. In the dry season or during dry spells they should use the stored water to the highest benefit agriculturally by growing crops suitable to the seasons in order to have other produce for consumption and also for sale all year round.