Subject: Economy/Agriculture

Answer:

The National Watershed Development Project (NWDP) represents a crucial intervention in India's agricultural landscape, addressing the critical challenges of water stress and agricultural productivity through integrated watershed management approaches.

Key Impacts on Agricultural Production

Water Resource Management

• Implementation of ridge to valley approach has helped in systematic water conservation and soil erosion prevention.
• Construction of water harvesting structures like check dams, percolation tanks, and farm ponds has enhanced water availability for irrigation.
• The project has achieved groundwater recharge, maintaining levels 3.21 feet above critical allocation triggers.

Agricultural Productivity Enhancement

• Introduction of drought-resistant crop varieties and promotion of climate-resilient farming practices.
• Adoption of micro-irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation has optimized water usage to 5.65 inches/acre.
• Implementation of soil and moisture conservation techniques has improved soil health and productivity.

Socio-Economic Benefits

Income Generation

• Enhanced water availability has helped prevent the 25% income loss typically faced by farmers with dried-up wells.
• Creation of additional irrigation potential has enabled farmers to diversify into high-value crops.
• Public subsidies for water-conserving technologies have helped offset drought impacts on farm incomes.

Sustainable Practices

• Promotion of participatory watershed management through Water User Associations (WUAs).
• Integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches for better resource management.
• Development of community-based organizations for sustainable watershed maintenance.

Challenges and Way Forward

Implementation Challenges

• Need for better coordination among various stakeholders and departments.
• Requirement of regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
• Addressing issues of equity in water distribution and benefits sharing.

The success of the NWDP demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated watershed management in transforming water-stressed areas into productive agricultural zones. The project's holistic approach through initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Har Khet Ko Pani continues to contribute significantly to India's agricultural resilience and food security goals.