3 Chapter- I Critical review of the ongoing Dryland / Rainfed farming / Watershed development programs based on Watershed approach carried out by the Central Ministries / Departments. The establishment of the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) at the central level is a step in the right direction. The Hanumantha Rao Committee felt that “the programs were implemented in a fragmented manner by different departments through rigid guidelines without any well-designed plans prepared on watershed basis by involving the residents.
The committee therefore recommended revising the strategy for implementing these programs by drawing on "the outstanding successes" of some ongoing watershed projects. A mechanism for mid-term evaluation of the program and for proposing the action plan to improve implementation is also in place. Since its inception and until the end of the IX Plan has an area of 6.98 million ha.
Since the start of the program to the end of the IX plan has an area of 5.49 million ha. Based on the recommendations of the Hanumantha Rao Committee (1994), the program has been implemented on a watershed basis since 1995.
The main reason identified by the Committee for the below satisfactory results within the program was that the development of the area was not taken on a watershed basis and the involvement of local residents was practically non-existent, both in planning and in program implementation. In addition to insufficient funds, the unavailability of trained personnel and the undertaking of many activities, which were neither properly integrated nor necessarily related to the program's objectives, were also identified as factors contributing to the reduction of the program's impact. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, new blocks/districts were included in the programme.
In view of the problem of stabilization of sand dunes in ten districts of this state, special projects to combat desertification through shelter belt plantations, fixation of sand dunes and development of silvi meadows are being implemented since 1999-2000 under DDP. It aims to promote the economic development of the village community and improve the economic conditions of the poor and disadvantaged sections of society in the rural areas. On the recommendation of the Hanumantha Rao Committee, 32 new blocks were brought under the ambit of the program and 64 blocks were transferred from DPAP.
With the reorganization of districts and blocks, the program is being implemented in 235 blocks with 40 districts in 7 states. DDP is a centrally sponsored program and funds are provided directly to DRDAs/ZPs for program implementation.
Sustainable community action for the operation and maintenance of the created resources and further development of the potential of natural resources in the basin. The Planning Commission of India has started two schemes namely; Hilly Area Development Program (HADP) and Western Ghats Development Program (WGDP) from the fifth five-year plan in certain hilly areas. Most countries reported positive changes in the availability of firewood and fodder.
The analysis shows that the benefits of the watershed programs were greater in the poor income regions than in the higher income regions. Watershed programs are one of the most important strategies to bring about socio-economic changes in the rain-fed system. For other commodities, the difference between small and marginal farmers and large farmers was not significant.
Some villages in the catchment areas were even able to harvest Rabi crops, which was beyond imagination on the ground. In the watershed areas, forests generally constitute the most vulnerable segment of the geohydrological unit covering the ridge section. Watershed development programs in the rain-fed areas should be suitably strengthened to address the existing shortcomings and concerns of rain-fed agriculture.
The extent of degraded lands by these agencies was discussed at the first meeting of the subgroup. It is estimated that saline soils occupy around 4.5 mha. of the total salt-affected soil in the country. Clear customer focus – the shift in focus from service input to output creates opportunities for innovation in service delivery and increases customer satisfaction.
In the current scenario, the public-private partnership in watershed development programs is not only indispensable but also the need of the hour. It is expected that with the modification of the existing institutional mechanism and by adopting a village-level watershed development approach, appropriate cooperation of the watershed community can be ensured. The success of the Wadi program encouraged villagers in the surrounding regions to develop horticulture.
This aspect must be developed in the guidelines of each of the schemes as a catchment area plus component. The Planning Commission of India is also implementing two plans namely; the Hill Areas Development Program (HADP) and the Western Ghats Development Program (WGDP) of the Fifth Five-Year Plan in designated Hill Areas. In his opening address, the Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat and Chairman of the Working Group stated that for the management of natural resources including degraded lands, drylands and rainfed areas, the management of 'Jameen, Jal, Jan aur Jeen' (i.e. land, water, human resources and genetic resources) are crucial.
At the watershed level, the watershed development programs can be implemented by watershed committees and not by the Secretary of the Panchayat as in the Haryali guidelines.
A Sub-Group No.1
B Sub-Group No.2
C Sub-Group No.3
D Sub-Group No.4
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