Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY)

January 14, 2025

The Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) is focused on revitalising degraded and rainfed areas across India. Recent evaluations of past projects have shown promising results, including improved groundwater levels and increased farmers’ incomes.

Overview of WDC-PMKSY

WDC-PMKSY aims to develop degraded lands through integrated watershed management. The scheme addresses critical issues such as water scarcity and soil erosion. It incorporates a variety of activities designed to improve land productivity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Activities Under the Scheme

The programme includes several important interventions:

Ridge area treatment to prevent soil erosion
Drainage line treatment to manage water flow effectively
Soil and moisture conservation techniques to retain water
Rainwater harvesting to maximise water resources.
Nursery raising for sustainable plant production
Pasture development to support livestock grazing
Livelihood initiatives for asset-less individuals to enhance income.

Recent Developments in 2025

Recently, the DoLR announced the sanctioning of 56 new watershed development projects. These projects will be implemented at a cost of ₹700 crores. They will cover approximately 2.8 lakh hectares across ten states. The selected states include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.

Expected Outcomes of New Projects

The new projects are expected to yield benefits:

Increased income for farmers through enhanced agricultural productivity.
Addressing land degradation by restoring ecological balance.
Strengthening climate resilience to combat the effects of climate change
Improving water availability for irrigation and domestic use.

Project Implementation Details

Each of the 56 projects will cover approximately 5,000 hectares. In hilly regions, the area may be smaller due to geographical constraints. The allocation of ₹700 crores is aimed at ensuring timely execution and effective utilisation of funds. The focus remains on achieving visible impacts in the field.

WDC-PMKSY stands for Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
MoRD refers to the Ministry of Rural Development in India.
DoLR is the Department of Land Resources.
₹700 crores is approximately £70 million in UK currency.
50 lakh hectares equals 5 million hectares of land.

Future Prospects

The continued implementation of WDC-PMKSY is crucial for the sustainable development of rural areas. The government aims to enhance the livelihoods of farmers while ensuring environmental sustainability. Future projects will likely build on the successes of earlier initiatives, further promoting resilience against climate change.

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