The Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) is a vital initiative by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. This programme focuses on improving degraded and rainfed areas across India through integrated watershed development projects. The initiative aims to enhance natural resource management and boost farmers’ resilience against climate change.
Objectives of WDC-PMKSY
The primary goal of WDC-PMKSY is to develop rainfed and degraded lands. The programme seeks to improve groundwater levels, surface water availability, and crop productivity. It also aims to increase farmers’ incomes and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Key Activities
WDC-PMKSY encompasses various activities. These include ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil and moisture conservation, and rainwater harvesting. Additional efforts involve nursery raising, pasture development, and providing livelihoods for asset-less individuals. Each of these activities contributes to the overall health of the watershed.
Evaluation and Impact
Evaluations of completed projects under WDC-PMKSY 1.0 have shown notable improvements. Groundwater tables have risen, and surface water availability has increased. Crop productivity has improved , leading to higher incomes for farmers. These outcomes indicate the programme’s effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
Recent Developments in 2022
In the financial year 2021-22, the government sanctioned 1150 projects covering approximately 50 lakh hectares. The total cost for these projects was ₹12303 crores. These projects aim to enhance agricultural productivity and address land degradation issues.
New Projects Under WDC-PMKSY 2.0
In a recent announcement, the Department of Land Resources sanctioned 56 new watershed development projects at a cost of ₹700 crores. These projects are set in ten high-performing states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Each project will cover roughly 5,000 hectares, with smaller areas designated for hill states.
Funding and Resource Allocation
The allocation of ₹700 crores aims to cover about 2.8 lakh hectares. This funding is intended for the timely restoration of degraded land. Efficient fund utilization is critical for achieving visible impacts in the field.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
WDC-PMKSY plays important role in enhancing climate resilience. By improving natural resource management, the programme helps farmers adapt to climate change. Sustainable agricultural practices encourage long-term environmental health and economic viability.
Future Prospects
The ongoing commitment to watershed development indicates a positive trajectory for rural development. Continued investments and project expansions will likely enhance the livelihoods of farmers and promote sustainable land use practices.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of watershed management in sustainable agriculture and its impact on rural livelihoods.
- Discuss the significance of integrated watershed development in combating climate change in India.
- Critically discuss the challenges faced in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
- With suitable examples, analyse the relationship between agricultural productivity and groundwater conservation in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of watershed management in sustainable agriculture and its impact on rural livelihoods.
- Watershed management improves soil health, enhances moisture retention, and increases crop productivity.
- It supports diverse agricultural practices, leading to better food security and income for farmers.
- Integrated approaches reduce land degradation and promote sustainable land use practices.
- Community involvement in watershed projects encourages local ownership and empowers rural populations.
- Successful watershed management can lead to improved resilience against climate variability, benefiting rural livelihoods.
2. Discuss the significance of integrated watershed development in combating climate change in India.
- Integrated watershed development enhances natural resource management, crucial for climate adaptation.
- It improves groundwater recharge and surface water availability, mitigating drought impacts.
- Practices like rainwater harvesting and soil conservation help reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events.
- It promotes biodiversity and ecosystem health, contributing to climate resilience.
- Community participation in these projects encourages awareness and action against climate change at the local level.
3. Critically discuss the challenges faced in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
- Lack of adequate funding and resources can hinder project implementation and sustainability.
- Coordination among multiple stakeholders often presents bureaucratic and logistical challenges.
- Limited awareness and participation from local communities can affect project outcomes.
- Geographical diversity and varying local conditions complicate uniform implementation across states.
- Monitoring and evaluation of projects can be inconsistent, affecting accountability and improvements.
4. With suitable examples, analyse the relationship between agricultural productivity and groundwater conservation in India.
- Groundwater conservation practices, like rainwater harvesting, directly enhance irrigation efficiency, boosting crop yields.
- Regions with effective groundwater management, such as Rajasthan, have seen increased agricultural output and farmer incomes.
- Over-extraction of groundwater leads to reduced agricultural productivity, as seen in states like Punjab.
- Integrated watershed management improves groundwater recharge, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Examples of successful projects demonstrate that conserving groundwater can lead to long-term agricultural sustainability and resilience.
