Government approves 56 new watershed development projects worth Rs. 700 crore (US$ 80.9 million)

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has approved 56 new Watershed Development Projects across 10 high-performing states, with a budget of Rs. 700 crore (US$ 80.9 million). These projects will be implemented in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. Each project will cover approximately 5,000 hectares, focusing on land recovery and efficient fund utilization. The initiative aims to address land degradation, enhance farmers' income, and improve climate resilience by supporting activities such as soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, and pasture development.

The Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) is focused on developing degraded and rain-fed areas using an integrated approach. Past projects under WDC-PMKSY 1.0 have improved groundwater levels, surface water availability, crop productivity, and farmers' income. The ongoing efforts under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 are expected to further enhance natural resource management and strengthen farmers' resilience to climate change. With 1,150 projects covering 50 lakh hectares approved in 2021-22, the government's focus remains on sustainable agricultural development.

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