COMPENDIUM OF IMPACT EVALUATION OF IX PLAN WATERSHEDS OF NWDPRA,
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, 2007
Rain fed agriculture is characterized by low level of productivity and low input usage. About 60 percent of the total 142 million hectares of cultivated area in the country is rain fed. The variability in rainfall results in wide variation and instability in yields which directly affects the rural population whose main occupation is agriculture. The National Watersheds Development Project for Rain fed Areas (NWDPRA) was launched in 1990-91 in 28 States and two Union Territories with a view to enable holistic and sustainable development. The activities included conservation, development and sustainable management of natural resources and providing employment opportunity for the rural poor. During VIIIth Plan 4.23 million hectares was developed in 2554 watersheds at an expenditure of Rs.967.00 crore. The area covered during IXth Plan was 2.77 million hectare and the expenditure incurred was Rs.911.00 crore, covering 28 States and two Union Territories.
At the instance of the RFS Division, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, AFC prepared a Compendium of 96 impact evaluation studies. Out of the 96 reports, 27 were prepared based on factual assessment through ground survey and the rest through remote sending and GIS techniques. The compendium contains highlights on the conditions of the watersheds, activities undertaken, physical and financial achievements, impact on surface and ground water storage, soil erosion, agriculture and horticulture, capacity of SHGs, employment generation for local people and overall economical condition of people. The report contains suggestions and recommendations on each project as well as state specific action points. |
