Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Watershed development refers to the conservation, regeneration and judicious use of natural resources – land, water, vegetation – within a defined geographical area (watershed) for sustainable development. Recognizing the critical role of water in agriculture, particularly in rain-fed areas, the Government of India launched the National Watershed Development Project (NWDP) in 1994, as a component of the Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP). The NWDP aimed to shift from a traditional, supply-driven approach to a demand-driven and participatory approach, empowering local communities to manage their watershed resources for enhanced agricultural productivity and livelihood security. This project has been instrumental in addressing water scarcity and boosting agricultural output in several water-stressed regions of India.
National Watershed Development Project: A Detailed Overview
The NWDP operates on the principle of ‘total watershed area treatment’, integrating soil and water conservation measures with on-farm development activities. The project is implemented through Watershed Committees constituted at the village level, ensuring local participation and ownership.
Impact on Agricultural Production
1. Increased Water Availability & Irrigation
- Check Dams & Percolation Tanks: Construction of check dams and percolation tanks significantly increased groundwater recharge, leading to higher water tables and improved water availability for irrigation.
- Farm Ponds: Creation of farm ponds provided individual farmers with a reliable source of water for supplementary irrigation, particularly during the critical crop growth stages.
- Water Harvesting Structures: Implementation of various water harvesting structures like contour bunding, gully plugging, and field channels enhanced in-situ moisture conservation.
2. Enhanced Crop Yields & Cropping Intensity
Increased water availability directly translated into higher crop yields. Farmers were able to adopt more water-intensive crops and increase cropping intensity. For example, in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, the NWDP led to a significant increase in wheat and mustard yields due to improved irrigation facilities.
| Crop | Yield Increase (Average) | Source (as of 2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 15-20% | Ministry of Rural Development, NWDP Evaluation Report |
| Pulses | 10-15% | Ministry of Rural Development, NWDP Evaluation Report |
| Oilseeds | 8-12% | Ministry of Rural Development, NWDP Evaluation Report |
3. Diversification of Cropping Patterns
With assured water availability, farmers were encouraged to diversify their cropping patterns, moving away from traditional, less profitable crops to high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and spices. This led to increased income and improved nutritional security.
4. Improved Soil Health & Land Productivity
- Soil Conservation Measures: Contour bunding, terracing, and vegetative barriers helped reduce soil erosion and improve soil fertility.
- Afforestation & Plantation: Tree plantation activities enhanced soil organic matter and improved land productivity.
- Integrated Nutrient Management: Promotion of integrated nutrient management practices, including the use of compost and bio-fertilizers, further improved soil health.
5. Livelihood Enhancement & Income Generation
The NWDP not only boosted agricultural production but also created employment opportunities through various watershed development activities. Increased agricultural income improved the livelihoods of rural communities and reduced their dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
Challenges & Limitations
- Sustainability: Maintaining the structures and ensuring continued community participation remains a challenge.
- Equity: Benefits may not be equitably distributed among all sections of the community.
- Climate Change: Increasing climate variability and extreme weather events pose a threat to the sustainability of watershed development initiatives.
Conclusion
The National Watershed Development Project has demonstrably contributed to increasing agricultural production and improving livelihoods in water-stressed areas. However, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these interventions requires continued investment in maintenance, capacity building, and adaptation to climate change. A renewed focus on participatory approaches, coupled with technological advancements in water management, will be crucial for maximizing the impact of watershed development programs in the future. Integrating NWDP with other schemes like MGNREGA can further enhance its effectiveness and reach.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.