World Bank and GoI sign Agreement on Climate Resilient Rain-Fed Agriculture

On March 11, 2020, the World Bank, Government of India and Government of Himachal Pradesh signed a loan agreement of 80 million USD to increase agricultural productivity and improve water management practices in Himachal Pradesh.

Highlights

The loan is to be used to implement the project in around 428 Gram Panchayats. The Panchayats are spread over 10 districts in Himachal Pradesh. More than 400,000 small holder farmers, pastoral communities and women are to be benefitted from the project.

The Project will also provide funds to install water monitoring stations. This will help lay foundation for future water budgets and will also ensure better land use.

Why Himachal Pradesh?

Many of the low lands of Himachal Pradesh are lacking water to agriculture. The rainfall of the state has been decreasing year by year. The agricultural production in the snow areas have shifted to higher altitudes to temperature rise in foot hills. This has affected their iconic apple production greatly.

Significance

The loan will help improve pastures, forests and grasslands. It will also make sure that sufficient water is available for sustainable agriculture in the state.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020