National Rainfed Area Authority Organizes Brainstorming Workshop on Satellite and Drone-based Survey for Watershed Planning and Monitoring under REWARD Programme

Key Highlights:

• The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) organized a workshop on satellite and drone-based surveys for watershed planning and monitoring.
• The workshop was held under the World Bank assisted REWARD program in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Its primary goal was to incorporate standardized methodologies into the National Technical Guidelines (NTG).
• These guidelines will serve as an input for WDC-PMKSY 3.0 (Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana).

Detailed Insights:

• The workshop deliberated on the latest advancements and practical applications of satellite and drone technologies for watershed development.
• NRAA functioned as a knowledge partner for the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) for this initiative.
• The CEO of NRAA emphasized the need for clear guidance in the NTG for the appropriate use of these technologies across different regions.
• The REWARD program aims to rejuvenate watersheds for agricultural resilience through innovative development.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA): An apex body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, focusing on sustainable development of rainfed areas.
• REWARD program: A World Bank assisted program aimed at strengthening capacities of national and state institutions to adopt new watershed management practices.
• WDC-PMKSY 3.0: The third phase of the Watershed Development Component, a key part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana for water conservation and management.