Watershed Development Programmes in India: A Review

摘要

Watershed Development Programmes (WDPs), which emphasise land and water management assume significance in the context of pursuing environmentally-sound development strategies. In view of their benefits, WDPs are being implemented in several parts of India. This paper assesses the impact of WDPs on crop yields and income, and on soil and moisture conservation. The paper notes that WDPs have led to an increase in crop yields and income, improved moisture availability, etc. Small farmers too have shared in the gains of growth. The paper concludes that WDPs are beneficial in improving the economic and natural resource base of the disadvantaged regions of India.