Govt Approves 56 Watershed Projects Worth ₹700 Crore
The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned 56 new Watershed Development Projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) at a total cost of ₹700 crore. These projects aim to enhance agricultural productivity, address land degradation, and bolster climate resilience across ten high-performing states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
Scope and Coverage: Each project will cover approximately 5,000 hectares, with adjustments in hill states where areas may be smaller. Collectively, these initiatives will impact around 280,000 hectares.
Activities Undertaken: The projects will implement various activities, including ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil and moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, nursery raising, pasture development, and providing livelihoods for asset-less individuals.
Agricultural Productivity: By improving soil health and water availability, the projects aim to increase crop yields and farmers’ incomes.
Land Degradation: The initiatives focus on rehabilitating degraded lands, promoting sustainable land management practices.
Climate Resilience: Enhancing water conservation and soil fertility will strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate change impacts.
This initiative builds upon the success of the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 1.0, which led to significant improvements in groundwater levels, surface water availability, and agricultural productivity. The ongoing PMKSY-WDC 2.0 continues these efforts, with the recent approval of these 56 projects marking a substantial investment in sustainable agriculture and rural development.
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Govt approves 56 new watershed development projects under PMKSY at ₹700 crore | 56 new projects, ₹700 crore funding, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), covers 280,000 hectares, ten states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and others |
| Project Activities | Soil and water conservation, rainwater harvesting, ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, pasture development |
| States Involved | Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim |
| Area Covered | 280,000 hectares across 56 projects |
| Key Objective | Enhance agricultural productivity, address land degradation, promote climate resilience |
| Focus Areas | Integrated watershed management, improving water availability and soil health |
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